Genetic Engineering

 

Genetic engineering is a hot topic, with many very clever people using it in the fight against disease. It is the transferring of genetic information from one cell to another.

Bacterial cells are used for genetic engineering.

In this process, plasmids act as a vector, as it is used to transfer genetic material from one cell to another. The whole process is aided by the use of enzymes.

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Genetic Engineering Process

In National 5, you are required to know the process and stages of genetic engineering:

Let’s think of it like a recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Bacterial Cell

  • Human cell

  • Enzymes

Method:

Step 1: Identify the chromosome and section of DNA that contains the required gene.

Step 2: Extract the required gene from chromosome.

Step 3: Extract the plasmid from bacterial cell.

Step 4: Insert required gene into plasmid.

Step 5: Insert modified plasmid into host bacterial cell.

Results

You have now made a genetically modified organism! Bon Appetit!

Key Points!

  • Genetic Engineering

    Genetic engineering is the transferring of genetic information from one cell to another.

  • Process of genetic engineering

    You locate required gene

    Extract required gene

    Extract bacterial plasmid

    Insert target gene into plasmid

    Insert modified plasmid into host bacterial cell.

    This process is aided by the use of enzymes.

Any Questions?