Topic 4b

• Genetic Engineering or GM (genetic modification)


  Taking a gene coding for a certain feature out of its cell and transferring it into another cell (usually in a different organism)
• DNA


  Codes for proteins which can cause features like eye colour and are also molecules like enzymes and hormones
• New cell


  Makes the protein coded for by the DNA
• Genetic engineering


  1. Take out the DNA. Cut out the gene coding for something using restriction enzymes

  2. Take the plasmid out of a bacteria. Cut open the plasmid using the same enzymes

  3. Insert the gene into the plasmid and put it back into the bacteria

  4. Culture the bacteria in a fermenter so they multiply and each bacteria makes human insulin which can then be extracted
• Genetic engineering


  • Production of human insulin by using genetically modified bacteria to quickly and cheaply make lots of insulin to treat diabetes
• Words used in genetic engineering process

  • insulin
  • gene
  • bacteria
  • DNA
  • enzymes
  • plasmid
  • extracted
  • multiply
• Fertiliser


  Chemical which makes crops grow quickly
• Fertiliser


  • Crops grow quickly, cheap to start up
  • Can wash off and pollute rivers killing wildlife
• Biological control


  Natural predator feeds on pests, eg ladybird feed on green fly (aphids)
• Biological control


  • No chemicals used on food crops
  • Slow, expensive to start up
• Increase food production due to growing human population using agriculture (farming)