Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Define genetic engineering.

Answer 1

Genetic engineering is the transfer of genetic materials from one organisms (e.g. Humans) into another (e.g. Bacteria)

Question 2

Describe the main stages of genetic engineering.

Answer 2

• Identify the section of DNA That contains the required gene on source (human) chromosome.
• Extract the required gene using a special enzyme to ‘cut out’ the gene.
• Extract the plasmid from vector/ bacterial cell
• Insert required gene into vector/ bacterial plasmid by using enzymes to open AND resealable the plasmid.
• Insert plasmid into host cell.
• Grow modified cells to produce a genetically modified organism.
• Product can now be mass produced, which is the extracted from the bacteria and purified.

Question 3

Name the organism used in genetic engineering.

Answer 3

Bacteria

Question 4

Give examples of a product that is produced by genetic engineering.

Answer 4

Human growth hormone

Insulin

Question 5

Describe how enzymes are used in the process of genetic engineering.

Answer 5

A special enzyme is used to cut out the required gene from the human chromosome.

Enzymes are used to open and resealable the plasmid that the required gene is inserted into.