Genetic Modification Flashcards
What is genetic modification/engineering?
taking genes from one organism and transferring it to another organism
What is the recombinant DNA?
a section of DNA that can be cut out of one species and inserted into another (the new DNA given to the organism)
What is the transgenic organism?
the organism that receives the recombinant DNA
What will the transgenic organism do with the recombinant DNA?
it will manufacture the protein using the recombinant DNA as if it were their own
What are restriction enzymes?
enzymes that cut DNA molecules at specific points (recognition sites) and create sticky ends
What are sticky ends?
short sections of single-stranded DNA join later with other sticky ends
by complementary base pairing
What are vectors?
molecules used to transfer the recombinant DNA into the cell
What are the 2 types of vectors?
viruses and plasmids
What are plasmids?
A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule that exists independently of chromosomal DNA within bacterial cells and can replicate on its own. Plasmids naturally carry genes that often benefit their host cells and can be used as vectors to transfer genes between organisms during genetic modification.
What are vectors
A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside living cells by injecting its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into them. When used in genetic modification, viruses are modified to remove their harmful genes while maintaining their ability to enter cells and deliver new genetic material.
Describe the process of genetic modification
- restriction enzymes used to cut required gene out of the DNA and the plasmid resulting in sticky ends
- these sticky ends join with the other pair of sticky ends with complementary bases and are permanently held together by the DNA ligase enzyme forming the recombinant DNA
- the vector carries the new recombinant DNA into other cells (particularly bacteria cells)
- these bacteria cells reproduce including the recombinant DNA (plasmids) and be placed in a fermenter to reproduce quickly large quantities of that protein
What does transgenic mean?
the transfer of genetic material from one species to another
Describe the process of producing insulin through genetic modification
- restriction enzymes cut human insulin gene and plasmids
- creates sticky ends and they join together by the DNA ligase enzyme
- this is inserted into a bacteria cell which reproduce quickly copying the plasmids too
- so all the new bacteria produced express the human insulin gene and make the human insulin protein
- the genetically engineered bacteria can be placed in a fermenter to reproduce large quantities of the human protein in controlled conditions
- the insulin is extracted and purified and the final product is human insulin
How can crops be genetically modified to be better?
increase yield, increase survival, resistant pests and disease, adapt to grow in specific environments
