Biotechnology & GMO ( 2 )

• Genetic modification


  Changing the DNA of living things like plants or animals to make them have specific traits or do certain things
• Process of genetic modification

  1. Isolation of human gene

  2. Cutting bacterial plasmid

  3. Formation of recombinant plasmid

  4. Insertion into bacteria

  5. Bacterial multiplication

  6. Protein expression
• Restriction enzymes


  • Like tiny scissors for DNA, cut DNA at specific spots
• Plasmids


  • Circles of DNA found inside bacterial cells
• DNA ligase


  • Enzymes that work like glue, paste pieces of DNA together
• Situations where genetic modification is applied

  • Insertion of human genes into bacteria to produce human proteins
  • Insertion of genes into crop plants to give them herbicide resistance
  • Insertion of genes into crop plants to give them insect pest resistance
  • Insertion of genes into crop plants to improve nutritional qualities
• Advantages of genetically modifying crops

  • Improved yield
  • Healthier food
  • Better for Earth
• Disadvantages of genetically modifying crops

  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Mixing genes
  • Cost