genetic engineering

• genetic engineering is taking a gene with a desirable characteristic and transferring it to another organism that will develop the same characteristic
• genetic engineering can be done in-between species
• it could be used to treat genetic conditions. this is called gene therapy
• in gene therapy its hard to transfer the new gene to every cell. The solution to this is to transfer the gene in an earlier stage of development so then as it develops the gene is passed on to other cells.
• genetically modified crops pros:

  • higher yield
  • disease resistant
  • can produce more food for less money so good for developing countries
• cons of genetically modified crops

  • not enough evidence to prove that they don't negatively effect our health
• how to transfer genes:

  1. isolate gene using enzyme
  2. place in a vector (bacteria or virus)
  3. put into organism so it starts producing the protein the gene codes for