Unit 1: Genetic Engineering Booklet Key Points

Question 1

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

Genetic engineering involves the removal of a gene from the chromosome of one organism and their insertion into the chromosome of a completely different organism, sometimes a bacteria.

Question 2

How can DNA be transferred naturally?

Answer 2

DNA can be transferred naturally between cells by bacterial plasmids or viruses.

Question 3

What is stage 1 of genetic engineering?

Answer 3

Gene is located in the human source chromosome

Question 4

What is stage 2 of genetic engineering?

Answer 4

Gene is removed from the chromosome using enzymes.

Question 5

What is stage 3 of genetic engineering?

Answer 5

Plasmid removed from bacterial cell and cut open using enzymes

Question 6

What is stage 4 of genetic engineering?

Answer 6

Gene is inserted into plasmid and sealed using an enzyme.

Question 7

What is stage 5 of genetic engineering?

Answer 7

Modified plasmid is inserted into bacterial cell to create a GM organism.

Question 8

What is stage 6 of genetic engineering?

Answer 8

Bacterial cells divide and produce product which can be extracted and purified in large.

Question 9

What are uses of genetic engineering?

Answer 9

-Production of medicines e.g. insulin and growth hormone.
-GM crops resistant to disease and longer shelf lives