21.4 Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of isolating and then transferring a desired gene from
one organism to another, usually of a different species, to make it hold that particular trait.
The gene must be transferred into a suitable vector for it to happen. For example, a fish
gene may be transferred to a tomato to make it have a longer shelf life. The tomato has
been genetically modified.
As the genetic code is universal, it enables genetic engineering. - correct answer-What is
genetic engineering? How can it happen?
A transgenic organism is an organism which has been genetically modified. - correct
answer-What is a transgenic organism?
1) Locate the gene you want to transfer
2)Isolate the gene
3)Place the gene into a vector
4)Insert DNA into a cell
5)Express the gene - correct answer-Outline the stages of genetic engineering
The first thing you need to do is locate the gene you want to transfer. You do this by doing
DNA sequencing to find the order of nucleotides and then use DNA probes. The probes are
the terminator bases and are fluorescent so show up. (The gene has already been
transcribed) - correct answer-Describe stage 1 of genetic modification: locating the gene
The gene that you locate has already been transcribed into mRNA so you need to convert it
back into DNA. mRNA can be found in pancreatic cells. You use enzyme reverse
transcriptase which reverses transcription so mRNA becomes cDNA (complimentary DNA).
This forms a single strand of DNA, so another DNA strand is made and DNA becomes
double stranded:
mRNA; CGGUUAAGAUA
cDNA; GCCAATTCTAT
DNA; CGGTTAAGATA
Or, you can use restriction endonuclease to cut the required DNA from the plasmid of
bacterial cells using restriction endonuclease. The plasmid DNA and cDNA then fuse using
DNA ligase to make the two stranded DNA at sticky ends. - correct answer-Describe stage 2
of genetic modification: isolating the gene (2 optional steps)
The DNA which has now fused with cDNA must now be inserted into a vector to a host cell.
Genetic engineering is the process of isolating and then transferring a desired gene from
one organism to another, usually of a different species, to make it hold that particular trait.
The gene must be transferred into a suitable vector for it to happen. For example, a fish
gene may be transferred to a tomato to make it have a longer shelf life. The tomato has
been genetically modified.
As the genetic code is universal, it enables genetic engineering. - correct answer-What is
genetic engineering? How can it happen?
A transgenic organism is an organism which has been genetically modified. - correct
answer-What is a transgenic organism?
1) Locate the gene you want to transfer
2)Isolate the gene
3)Place the gene into a vector
4)Insert DNA into a cell
5)Express the gene - correct answer-Outline the stages of genetic engineering
The first thing you need to do is locate the gene you want to transfer. You do this by doing
DNA sequencing to find the order of nucleotides and then use DNA probes. The probes are
the terminator bases and are fluorescent so show up. (The gene has already been
transcribed) - correct answer-Describe stage 1 of genetic modification: locating the gene
The gene that you locate has already been transcribed into mRNA so you need to convert it
back into DNA. mRNA can be found in pancreatic cells. You use enzyme reverse
transcriptase which reverses transcription so mRNA becomes cDNA (complimentary DNA).
This forms a single strand of DNA, so another DNA strand is made and DNA becomes
double stranded:
mRNA; CGGUUAAGAUA
cDNA; GCCAATTCTAT
DNA; CGGTTAAGATA
Or, you can use restriction endonuclease to cut the required DNA from the plasmid of
bacterial cells using restriction endonuclease. The plasmid DNA and cDNA then fuse using
DNA ligase to make the two stranded DNA at sticky ends. - correct answer-Describe stage 2
of genetic modification: isolating the gene (2 optional steps)
The DNA which has now fused with cDNA must now be inserted into a vector to a host cell.
