8.1 Genetic Engineering
• Genetic engineering is the transfer of genes between
different organisms, producing recombinant DNA molecules.
• Genetic engineering is conducted in 4 stages:
1 - restriction enzymes are used to cleave
the DNA of 2 different organisms
2 - the DNAs are combined to form the recombinant
DNA
3 - the recombinant DNA is inserted into
target cells that are cloned
4 - target cells are examined to see if
the particular gene of interest is functioning
• recombinant DNA - molecule formed when pieces of DNA
from 2 or more organisms are put together
• cloning - growing genetically identical cells from
one cell
• restriction enzyme - enzyme that binds and then cuts
segments from a DNA molecule
• plasmid - bacterial genetic element that is not a part
of the chromosome
• vector - agent used to transfer genes in genetic engineering
8.2 Transforming Agriculture
• Scientists have used the Ti plasmid to insert specific
genes into plants.
• Genetic engineering experiments in plants have been
carried out to develop crops that are resistant to weedkillers and insects
and crops that can convert nitrogen into a usable form.
• Genetic engineering experiments in animals have been
carried out to develop larger and more productive livestock.
• nitrogen fixation - when bacteria convert nitrogen
in the air into ammonia and other compounds
8.3 Advances in Medicine
• Genetic engineering experiments have produced bacteria
capable of synthesizing insulin and other proteins of medical value to
humans.
• Genetic engineering experiments have produced vaccines
designed to protect against certain viral diseases, including herpes and
hepatitis.
• Genetic engineering experiments have introduced certain
genes into humans with the eventual goal of curing inherited disorders
and treating cancer.
• Genetic engineering experiments are underway to determine
the nucleotide base sequence for every human gene (called the Human Genome
Project)
• vaccine - intake of dead or weak pathogens into the
body to produce immunity to that pathogen
• antibody - defensive protein produced by white blood
cells in response to a foreign substance
• human genome - entire collection of genes within human
cells
• DNA profiling - technique that identifies the base
sequence in a sample of DNA
• DNA fingerprint - a photograph of the unique DNA pattern
possessed by each individual |