Genetic Engineering

• What is the basis of genetic engineering?

  To move useful genes from one organism into the cells of another
• What are enzymes and vectors used for in genetic engineering?

  They facilitate the movement of genes between organisms
• What is the function of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

  To cut gene segments of DNA at specific spots
• What do ligase enzymes do?

  They join two pieces of DNA together
• What is recombinant DNA?

  Two different bits of DNA stuck together
• What is a vector in the context of genetic engineering?

  A carrier used to transfer DNA into a cell
• What are the two types of vectors mentioned?

  Plasmids and viruses
• What are plasmids?

  Small, circular molecules of DNA that can be transferred between bacteria
• How do viruses function as vectors?

  They insert DNA into the organisms they infect
• What are the steps to cut and insert DNA?

  1. The DNA to insert is not mixed with a vector.
  2. The vector and DNA are cut open using the same restriction enzyme.
  3. Ligase joins the two pieces of DNA to produce recombinant DNA.
  4. The recombinant DNA is introduced into the cell.
  5. The cells now contain the inserted gene.
• What is an example of a gene that can be inserted into bacteria for production?

  The gene for human insulin
• How can bacteria be used to produce insulin for people with diabetes?

  By growing the bacteria containing the gene for human insulin in a fermenter
• What is the purpose of using a fermenter in insulin production?


  To grow bacteria in huge numbers