Genetic Modification

Question 1

Why are plasmids used in gene technology

Answer 1

Because they can replicate with bacterial cells

Question 2

What are plasmids used for

Answer 2

Vectors to introduce a donor gene into a host cell

Question 3

What do the plasmids do once in the host cell

Answer 3

They replicate so that many copies of the original gene are produced in each cell

Question 4

Describe the stages of making genetically modified insulin (8)

Answer 4

1. Identify the gene that carries the instruction for making insulin
2. Cut this gene out of the chromosome using an enzyme called restriction endonuclease (molecular scissors)
3. Remove a plasmid from a bacterium
4. Use the SAME restriction endonuclease enzyme to cut open the plasmid
5. Insert the insulin gene into the plasmid
6. Place the recombinant plasmid within a fermenter
7. Collect the product of this inserted gene and prepare for use