5. Genetic Engineering

• All living things contain chromosomes which carry genetic info.
• Genes are sections of DNA that code for proteins
• Chromosomes are made of genes.
• Genetic engineering is manually transferring genetic info from one organism to another.
• Insulin is essential in the treatment of those with type 1 diabetes.
• The human gene for insulin can be inserted into bacteria, producing as much insulin as we need.
• Bacterial cells do not have a nucleus, instead their DNA is found in a ring of DNA called the plasmid.
• The first stage of Genetic engineering is identifying the required gene and extracting it from the chromosome using enzymes.
• In the second stage of genetic engineering, the plasmid is extracted from the bacterial cell.
• In the third stage of genetic engineering, an enzyme is used to cut open the plasmid.
• In the fourth stage, the required gene is inserted into the plasmid and sealed by using an enzyme.
• In the fifth stage of genetic engineering, the modified plasmid is then placed into the new host bacterial cell. The bacteria reproduce rapidly, producing new bacteria with the required characteristic.