Genetic modification

Question 1

Describe genetically modified microorganisms

Answer 1

Gene for the protein (drug) is isolated using restriction enzymes
The gene is copied using PCR
Copies are inserted into plasmids
Plasmids are transferred into microorganisms
Modified mircoorganisms are grown in large containers and divide to provide useful protein
Protein is purified and used as a drug

Question 2

Describe genetically modified plants

Answer 2

Remove plasmid from bacteria and cut with restriction enzymes
Cut gene out with restriction enzyme
Insert foreign gene into plasmid with an antibiotic marker
Reinsert plasmid into bacterium
Allow bacterium to introduce plasmid DNA into plant cell
Plate cells on agar with antibiotic
Micro propagation: transformed cells grow in sterile conditions - amino acids, sucrose

Question 3

Describe genetically modified animals

Answer 3

Gene for protein is inhected into nucleus of fertilised eff cell
Egg cell implanted into animal and grows into a whole animal that contains copy of gene in each cell
Protein is purified from milk of animal

Question 4

Benefits

Answer 4

Crops - higher yield, pest resistance so no pesitcides needed reducing costs,
Diseases can be treated with human proteins from animal proteins
Vanccines don’t need to be refrigerated - available to more
Producing drugs is cheap

Question 5

Risks

Answer 5

Transfer of viruses from animals to humans
Harmful genes formed
Transfer of antibiotic resistance genes
Wrong to genetically modify animals

Question 6

For genetic modification of plants what could be used instead of foreign genes?

Answer 6

Coat gold particles with foreign DNA and use gene gun to fire them into plant cells