KA5

• Genetic information can be transferred from one cell to another by genetic engineering.
• 1. Identify the section of DNA that contains the required gene from the source chromosome (e.g. insulin gene from a human chromosome)
• 2. Enzyme used to extract the gene out of the chromosome.
• 3. A plasmid is extracted from a bacterial cell.
• 4. Plasmid is cut open using the same enzymes that were used to extract the gene from the required chromosome.
• 5. Required gene is then inserted into the open bacterial plasmid using a different enzyme.
• 6. Modified plasmid is inserted back into the host bacterial cell to produce a genetically modified organism.
• 7. The genetically modified (GM) bacterial cell now multiplies and produces identical copies of itself – each new cell contains plasmids with the inserted gene and are capable of producing the hormone (e.g. insulin).
• bacterial cells are used for genetic engineering as they are able to reproduce quickly