genetic engineering

• genetic engineering transfers genes between organisms
• 1. useful gene is isolted from one organisms genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector
  2. vector is usually a virsu or bacterial plasmid depending on the type of organim that the gene is being transferred to
  3. when the vector is introduced to the target organism the useful gene is inserted into its cells
• bacteria has been geneitcally modified to produce human insulin that can be used to treat diabetes
• genetically modified crops have had their genes modified e.g to improve size quality of fruit, resistant to disease...
• sheep have been geneitically engineered to produce substances e.g drugs in their milk that can be used to treat human diseases
• scientists are reasearching genetic modification treatments for inherited diseases caused by faulty genes e,g inserting working genes into people with isease. GENETIC THERAPY
• 5. in some cases the transfer of the gene is carried out when the organism recieving the gene is at an early stage of development meaning that the organism develops with characteristics coded by the gene
• pros


  GM crops can increase the yield making more food

  GM crops contain nutrients some people may lack

  GM crops are growing in areas in some places with often no problems
• cons


  some people thing GM crops will affect the number of wild flowers that live in and around the crops reducing farmer biodiversity

  not everyone is convinved GM crops are sfae h

  transplanted genes may get out into natural environment e.g herbicide gene may be picked up by weeds creating new 'superweed' variety