Genetic Engineering

• Plasmid

  
  

  -Chromosomal material

  
  

  -Made up of DNA (genes)

  
  

  -Can be transferred from one bacterium to

  another
• Genetic Engineering - Transfer of genes from one organism to another
• -Identify section of DNA that contains required

  gene from source chromosome

  
  

  -Extract required gene using ‘cutting’ enzyme

  
  

  -Extract plasmid from bacterial cell

  
  

  -Open plasmid using enzyme

  
  

  -Insert required gene into bacterial plasmid

  and seal using enzyme

  
  

  -Insert plasmid into host bacterial cell to

  produce a genetically modified (GM)

  organism.
• Reprogrammed microbes multiply rapidly and make large quantities of desired product
• Able to make a wide range of useful medical and commercial products, e.g.Insulin, Factor VIII, human growth hormone, stain digesting enzymes
• Disadvantages of GE

  
  

  -Cost of development.

  
  

  -Possibility of harmful microbes going

  into the environment.
• What is Genetic Engineering?

  Transfer of genes from one organism to another