Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering

• Bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic engineering due to their rapid reproduction rate and their ability to make complex molecules
• Why are microorganisms used:

  • Bacteria and fungi are small and easy to grow in a lab
  • They reproduce quickly and don’t take up much space
  • No ethical issues involved
  • Genetic code is the same for bacteria as it is for human
  • Bacteria have loops of DNA called plasmids which are easy to transfer from one cell to another