Genetic Engineering

Question 1

How are enzymes used to cut and join DNA?

Answer 1

Restriction enzymes -specific sequences of DNA and cut DNA at point , left with sticky ends
Ligase enzymes used to join two pieces of DNA at their sticky ends
Two different bits of DNA stuck together known as recombinant DNA

Question 2

What are plasmids and viruses?

Answer 2

Plasmids are small circular molecules of DNA can be transferred between bacteria.

Viruses insert DNA into the organisms they infect.

Question 3

How does genetic engineering work?

Answer 3

1) the dna is cut using restriction enzymes, the vector DNA is the cut open using the same enzymes
2) the vector dna and the dna left with sticky ends , mixed together with ligase enzymes.
3) the ligase join the piece of dna
together to make recombinant DNA
4) the recombinant dna is inserted into other cells
5) these cells can now use the gene and this is used for human insulin for diabetes,

Question 4

How is genetic engineering in agriculture and medicine?

Answer 4

In agriculture plants are made to be herbicide resistant, increase crop yield,

Medicine used to make insulin and protein from humans into cows and sheep,

Question 5

What are some concern bout genetic engineering?

Answer 5

Hard to predict wether it will survive
Don’t survive as it might have a negative impact

If the gene grows into the environment , a superweed may be created due to herbicide resistant cross breeding into the weed.