Genetic manipulation:
Genetic engineering: Gene for the manufacture of insulin taken from a human cell, and
spliced by an enzyme into a plasmid (the gene is now called a transgene), which is put into a
bacterial cell (now called transgenic organisms) where it provides the recipe for the manufacture
of insulin. The process whereby the plasmid gets into the bacterial cell is called transfection.
Advantages – Very cheap, bacteria reproduce very fast, they are microscopic and millions can be
kept in a small space and patients will not be allergic to it. Genetic engineering is used for insulin
for the control of diabetes, antibiotics and various vaccines.
Cloning: An unfertilized egg cell has its nucleus destroyed by UV radiation, and a nucleus from
a diploid somatic cell is put into the cell to replace it. The cell thus contains a full compliment of
chromosomes. The cell acts as a zygote, and develops normally into a new organism. Advantages
– Organisms produced in a shorter time, could save species that are endangered, can produce
offspring for sterile couples and could produce organs for transport. Disadvantages – Reduce the
gene biodiversity, may lead to ‘growing’ of clones for tissue and organ transplants, generates
experimental waste if cloning is unsuccessful and cruelty to animals and if something was to
happen they would all die because they are identical.
Genetic modification: A gene is transferred from one organism to another. Advantages – In
plants: Increased resistance to pests (built-in pesticide), disease resistance, increased nutrient
content, better water usage by plants, can grow in infertile soil and higher yields obtained. In
animals: Less likely to get ill, increased resistance increased food security and productivity goes
up. Disadvantages – Some people may be allergic to the new foods, the ‘transgene’ may get out
into the wild varieties and it kills innocent animals
Selective breeding/Artificial selection: Natural selection:
Done to serve the human. Done to make animal more situated
Results are obtained in a short period to the environment.
of time. Results obtained over millennia.
Requires human intervention. Doesn’t require human intervention.
Results in a reduced pool gene – less Gene pool is unaffected – a greater
variety. variety results.
Doesn’t affect chances of survival. Doesn’t affect chances of survival.
Decreases genetic vigour in species. Increases genetic vigour.
Stem cells: When an embryo is just a few days old, its cells are undifferentiated. These cells are
harvested and used to fix disorders. Stem cells can be obtained from the morula and umbilical
cord. The stem cells have to match the tissue. Advantages – Very successful and can save lives.
Disadvantages – Unscrupulous people may develop embryos just to harvest their stem cells.
Selective breeding: Animals are selected and bred for the traits we require. Hybridization
involves crossing two individuals with different desirable traits to produce offspring with a
combination of both desirable traits. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage all
come from the wild mustard plant (Brassica oleracea). Advantages – Animals show hardiness (a
resilience), better production results and animals that produce more young. Disadvantages –
Because closely related animals are usually bred, inbreeding causes reduced gene pool, and this
can result in a total wipe out of the species if a disease hits and the animals have no resistance.
Definitions:
Biotechnology – The use of living systems to produce useful products.
Genome – All possible genes for humans.
Inbreeding – Breeding within the family. This weakens the species.
Outbreeding – Breeding out of the family.
Genetic engineering: Gene for the manufacture of insulin taken from a human cell, and
spliced by an enzyme into a plasmid (the gene is now called a transgene), which is put into a
bacterial cell (now called transgenic organisms) where it provides the recipe for the manufacture
of insulin. The process whereby the plasmid gets into the bacterial cell is called transfection.
Advantages – Very cheap, bacteria reproduce very fast, they are microscopic and millions can be
kept in a small space and patients will not be allergic to it. Genetic engineering is used for insulin
for the control of diabetes, antibiotics and various vaccines.
Cloning: An unfertilized egg cell has its nucleus destroyed by UV radiation, and a nucleus from
a diploid somatic cell is put into the cell to replace it. The cell thus contains a full compliment of
chromosomes. The cell acts as a zygote, and develops normally into a new organism. Advantages
– Organisms produced in a shorter time, could save species that are endangered, can produce
offspring for sterile couples and could produce organs for transport. Disadvantages – Reduce the
gene biodiversity, may lead to ‘growing’ of clones for tissue and organ transplants, generates
experimental waste if cloning is unsuccessful and cruelty to animals and if something was to
happen they would all die because they are identical.
Genetic modification: A gene is transferred from one organism to another. Advantages – In
plants: Increased resistance to pests (built-in pesticide), disease resistance, increased nutrient
content, better water usage by plants, can grow in infertile soil and higher yields obtained. In
animals: Less likely to get ill, increased resistance increased food security and productivity goes
up. Disadvantages – Some people may be allergic to the new foods, the ‘transgene’ may get out
into the wild varieties and it kills innocent animals
Selective breeding/Artificial selection: Natural selection:
Done to serve the human. Done to make animal more situated
Results are obtained in a short period to the environment.
of time. Results obtained over millennia.
Requires human intervention. Doesn’t require human intervention.
Results in a reduced pool gene – less Gene pool is unaffected – a greater
variety. variety results.
Doesn’t affect chances of survival. Doesn’t affect chances of survival.
Decreases genetic vigour in species. Increases genetic vigour.
Stem cells: When an embryo is just a few days old, its cells are undifferentiated. These cells are
harvested and used to fix disorders. Stem cells can be obtained from the morula and umbilical
cord. The stem cells have to match the tissue. Advantages – Very successful and can save lives.
Disadvantages – Unscrupulous people may develop embryos just to harvest their stem cells.
Selective breeding: Animals are selected and bred for the traits we require. Hybridization
involves crossing two individuals with different desirable traits to produce offspring with a
combination of both desirable traits. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage all
come from the wild mustard plant (Brassica oleracea). Advantages – Animals show hardiness (a
resilience), better production results and animals that produce more young. Disadvantages –
Because closely related animals are usually bred, inbreeding causes reduced gene pool, and this
can result in a total wipe out of the species if a disease hits and the animals have no resistance.
Definitions:
Biotechnology – The use of living systems to produce useful products.
Genome – All possible genes for humans.
Inbreeding – Breeding within the family. This weakens the species.
Outbreeding – Breeding out of the family.
