5.12 Describe the use of restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites and ligase enzymes to join pieces of DNA together.
5.13 Describe how plasmids and viruses can act as vectors, which take up pieces of DNA, then insert this recombinant DNA into other cells.
When a virus or plasmid is inside a host cell it may pick up DNA, it may then carry this into another host cell.
The foreign DNA is known as recombinant DNA.
The foreign DNA is known as recombinant DNA.
5.14 Understand that large amounts of human insulin can be manufactured from genetically modified bacteria that are grown in a fermenter.
The gene that causes human insulin production can be taken from a cell and put into a bacteria's DNA.
This bacteria is then put into a fermenter where the conditions are optimum for it to replicate many times.
These bacteria then produce human insulin which can be harvested and given to humans who suffer a lack of insulin (people with diabetes for example).
This bacteria is then put into a fermenter where the conditions are optimum for it to replicate many times.
These bacteria then produce human insulin which can be harvested and given to humans who suffer a lack of insulin (people with diabetes for example).
5.15 Evaluate the potential for using genetically modified plants to improve food production (illustrated by plants with improved resistance to pests).
Genetically modified plants are ones with desired characteristics which are meant to enhance a crop.
They may have DNA which gives them more nutritional value, for example"
Plants may also have DNA which makes them more resistant, for example:
Although GM plants appear to be only of benefit, there are people who claim side effects observed in lab animals such as:
They may have DNA which gives them more nutritional value, for example"
- Golden rice which is rice with carotene in.
Plants may also have DNA which makes them more resistant, for example:
- Genetically modified soya plants.
Although GM plants appear to be only of benefit, there are people who claim side effects observed in lab animals such as:
- Sterility,
- Infant mortality,
- Allergies,
- Stunted growth.