Key area 1.5 - Genetic engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering ?

Answer 1

The transfer of genetic material from one organism to the other

Example - DNA from humans transferred to bacteria

Question 2

Describe stages 1,2 + 3 of the genetic engineering process

Answer 2

Stage 1 - Extract required gene from human chromosome using enzymes

Stage 2 - Extract plasmid from bacterial cell

Stage 3 - Cut plasmid open using enzymes

Question 3

Describe stages 4 + 5 of genetic engineering

Answer 3

Stage 4 - Insert required gene into bacterial plasmid and seal using enzymes

Stage 5 - Insert altered plasmid into host bacterial cell to produce a genetically modified organism