Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering involves changing the genetic material of an organism by taking one gene from one organism and transferring it to the genetic material of an another, completely different
organism. We can use this technique on a large scale for industrial purposes. We
can use bacteria to produce insulin genes for example. In the past, people used
insulin extracted from the pancreases of pigs. These are the steps
below...
We can also transfer genes to animals and plants at an early stage of their
development so they can develop with the desired characteristics from the other
organism. Here are some examples of genetically engineered animals and plants...
Genetic engineering involves changing the genetic material of an organism by taking one gene from one organism and transferring it to the genetic material of an another, completely different
organism. We can use this technique on a large scale for industrial purposes. We
can use bacteria to produce insulin genes for example. In the past, people used
insulin extracted from the pancreases of pigs. These are the steps
below...
- Cut out an insulin gene in the DNA of a human cell
using enzymes, and at the same time, split open a plasmid (ring of DNA) taken
from a bacterium. This is also done using enzymes - We can now insert this insulin gene into the plasmid
using more enzymes. - The plasmid containing the gene can be taken in by the
bacterium which would multiply and reproduce by splitting into two each time. As
this happens, insulin is produced very quickly - We can harvest the insulin which is used for
individuals suffering from diabetes.
We can also transfer genes to animals and plants at an early stage of their
development so they can develop with the desired characteristics from the other
organism. Here are some examples of genetically engineered animals and plants...