genetic engineering

• Genetic engineering involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic
• Steps of genetic engineering:

  • Enzymes are used to cut/isolate the gene of interest out of the organism's DNA
  • A vector (usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus) is used to insert the gene of interest
  • The plasmid is inserted into the cells of the animal, plant, or microorganisms at early stages of development
• Stage 3 specifically for insulin production:

  • The plasmid with the insulin gene is inserted into a bacterium
  • The genetically modified bacteria reproduce by binary fission and produce insulin
  • The insulin is collected and purified for use
• Uses of genetic engineering:

  • Bacteria that produce human insulin to treat diabetes
  • Sheep/Goats that produce drugs in their milk
  • Crops which are disease resistant, larger/better fruit, and herbicide/pesticide resistant to increase yield (GM crops)
  • Curing inherited genetic diseases through gene therapy