genetic engineering Flashcards

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1
Q

what is genetic engineering?

A

modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism
—> in order to produce the desired characteristic
–> produces a transgenic organism

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2
Q

what is a vector?

A

something that is used to transfer DNA into a cell
–> plasmids
–> viruses

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3
Q

what are the enzymes used to cut up and put back together

A
  • restriction enzymes
  • ligase enzymes
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4
Q

examples of genetic engineering:

A

CROPS
- crops have larger fruits
- crops are disease resistant
- resistant to insects
- resistant to herbicides
- longer shelf life
INSULIN
- bacteria cells produce insulin to treat diabetes

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5
Q

what is the definition of transgenic?

A

transfer of genetic material from one species to another species (not all GMOs are - this is only if its cross-species)

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6
Q

what are the pros of genetic engineering?

A
  • desirable characteristics will be present
  • important in developing countries (more food)
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7
Q

what are the cons of genetic engineering?

A
  • impacts on local ecosystems if the produce interbreeds with normal/wild plants
  • may have long term health impacts
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8
Q

comparison between genetic engineering and selective breeding (cross reference if necessary)

A

GENETIC ENGINEERING
pros: - will give desired characteristic
- can have precise traits from other species rather than from its own
- speed: will happen in one generation rather than over many
however, it is disliked ethically (for the interference with nature) and the unknown health impacts long-term
SELECTIVE BREEDING
pros: - will usually give desired characteristic
- done without technical skill/laboratory help
concerns: it reduces genetic variation so disease can become more rampant if negative traits are also accidently passed down

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9
Q

process of genetic engineering

A
  • the gene of one organism is ‘cut out’ using RESTRICTION ENZYME leaving ‘sticky ends’
  • the vector DNA is then cut open using the same restriction enzyme
  • the ‘sticky ends’ from the vector DNA and the DNA you want to inserted are then combined using LIGASE enzyme
  • this is recombinant DNA
  • that is then inserted into other cells e.g. bacteria
  • which will then reproduce/multiply (sometimes in a fermenter)
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10
Q

definition of a restriction enzyme

A

enzymes which are able to cut pieces of DNA, leaving ‘sticky ends’ - both the desired gene and the DNA it will be placed into (unpaired/exposed bases)

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11
Q

definition of a ligase enzyme

A

enzymes which are able to join pieces of DNA together

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12
Q

why is bacteria often used?

A

it will reproduce the new recombinant DNA very quickly
their DNA is loose in the cytoplasm so it is easier to modify

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