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Gene Technology
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Biology 1
Genetic Engineering
Perhaps the gene can carry out a very
useful function such as the production of a
specific protein.
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This involves removing a gene from one
organism and placing it in a different
species. But why is this done?
Producing Human Insulin
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Insulin is a hormone produced by specific cells
in the pancreas. Its job is to regulate the blood
glucose level within the correct range.
Some people cannot produce insulin because
their pancreatic cells don’t function properly. This
is a form of diabetes called Type 1 Diabetes.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated by
injecting insulin made by genetic engineering
techniques.
Bacteria
Human cell
The steps of the
process:
1.
An enzyme acts as a pair of
scissors to cut the DNA either
side of the required gene.
Plasmid
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required
2.
This gene is then implanted into
the bacterial plasmid. This is a
circular piece of DNA in the
bacteria. It is cut to make room
for the required gene. Enzymes
do the cutting and also ensure
that the required gene is ‘glued’
in place.
3.
The final stage involves placing
the new plasmids into bacteria
so that they produce a new
protein. As the bacteria
reproduce, they produce the
protein on a mass scale - human
insulin in this case.
gene
INSULIN
The Advantages of Genetic
Engineering
In 1993 a blood clotting protein was first
produced using genetically engineered
sheep cells. Haemophiliacs are treated
with an injection of this protein to help their
blood clot.
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In theory, this process could be used to
mass produce any protein.
Genetically Modified Crops
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The first commercial genetically modified
(GM) crop was modified so that it was
resistant to insects and pests. It was the
potato, and it was modified so that it made
its own built-in insecticide.
Opposition
It is feared that this could add to the spread of
antibiotic resistance in the world, in turn leading
to more superbugs such as MRSA.
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Some people fear that problems arise from
modifying food genetically. The main concern is
that the animals eating such crops will transfer
antibiotic resistance to the bacteria in their gut.
Disadvantages
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Advantages
GM crops could
be grown to
produce bio fuels,
in turn helping
ease the fossil
fuel crisis.
GM crops
Genetic Engineering – For or Against?
There is fierce debate going on, for and
against GM crop production and research.
For a taste of this debate go to:
put GM into the
search engine
www.greenpeace.org go to:
‘What we do’
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