Genetic Engineering

• Uses

  • Bacteria can be used to produce human insulin to treat diabetes
  • GM crops can have their genes modified to improve their fruit or to make them resistant to disease, insects and herbicides
  • Sheep have been genetically engineered to produce substances in their milk
  • Scientists are researching GM treatments for inherited diseases, this is called gene therapy
• Method

  • A useful gene is isolated from an organisms genome using enzymes and inserted into a vector
  • The vector is introduced to the target organism and the useful gene is inserted into it
  • The transfer of genes can be carried out when the organism receiving the gene is an embryo. This means it develops with the characteristic coded for
• Negatives of GM crops

  • May affect the number of wild flowers and insects so decreasing farmland biodiversity
  • The effects of eating them on human health is unknown
  • People may be allergic
  • Transplanted genes may get into natural environment
• Positives of GM crops

  • Increases the yield
  • Can provide the missing nutrients in diets
  • Being grown without problems