Genetic Modification

• genetic modification

  modifying a hosts genetic makeup by inserting genes from another organism into the hosts genome to give a desired characteristic
• transgenic organism

  organism that has been genetically modified to contain DNA from a different organism which will be expressed
• recombinant DNA

  contains some DNA from a different organism as a result of genetic engineering
• vector

  mechanism for transferring genetic material into chromosomes of a cell

  e.g. virus or bacterial plasmid
• restriction enzymes

  cuts DNA at specific sites leaving 'sticky ends'
• ligase enzymes

  join pieces of DNA together
• method of genetic modification

  • DNA restriction enzyme cuts the host cells DNA and the vectors DNA at specific sites
  • same restriction enzyme used so the sticky ends are complementary
  • DNA ligase joins the sticky ends together producing recombinant DNA