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Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an
organism's genome using biotechnology.
New DNA may be inserted in the host genome by first isolating and copying the genetic
material of interest using molecular cloning methods to generate a DNA sequence, or by
synthesizing the DNA, and then inserting this construct into the host organism.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Vocabulary
Manipulation: The action of manipulating something in a skilful manner.
Mutations: The action or process of changing
Mutagenesis: A process by which the genetic information of an organism is changed in
a stable manner, resulting in a mutation. It may occur spontaneously in nature, or as a
result of exposure to mutagens.
Adverse: Preventing success or development; harmful; unfavourable.
Insulin: A hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, which
regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of
diabetes.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Genetically modified organisms
Plants, animals or micro organisms that have changed through genetic engineering are
termed genetically modified organisms or GMOs.
Bacteria were the first organisms to be genetically modified. Plasmid DNA containing
new genes can be inserted into the bacterial cell and the bacteria will then express
those genes. These genes can code for medicines or enzymes that process food and
other substrates.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
History of genetic engineering
Humans have altered the genomes of species for thousands of years through artificial
selection and more recently mutagenesis.
Genetic engineering as the direct manipulation of DNA by humans outside breeding and
mutations has only existed since the 1970s.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Genetically modified mouse
A genetically modified mouse is a mouse that has had its genome altered through the
use of genetic engineering techniques.
Genetically modified mice are commonly used for research or as animal models of
human diseases.
A genetically modified mouse in which a gene
affecting hair growth has been knocked out
(left), shown next to a normal lab mouse.
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Genetic Engineering
Uses
Genetically modified mice are used extensively in research as models of human
disease. The most common type is the knockout mouse, where the activity of a single
(or in some cases multiple) genes are removed.
They have been used to study and model obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis,
substance abuse, anxiety, aging and Parkinson disease.
Transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent
protein, which glows green under blue light. The
central mouse is wild-type.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Advantages of using Insulin from
genetically modified organisms
Humulin is identical to human insulin and so diabetics who use it do not suffer adverse
reactions when using it, unlike other the forms of insulin obtained from animals.
The quantities produced are much greater and have overcome the shortage of insulin.
Production costs are much lower, and so cheaper supplies can be produced.
Objection on ethical or religious grounds, to using animals, are overcome.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Match
Manipulation
The action or process of changing
Mutations
The action of manipulating something in a skilful
manner.
Mutagenesis
A hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of
Langerhans, which regulates the amount of glucose in the
blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes.
Adverse.
Preventing success or development; harmful;
unfavourable
Insulin
A process by which the genetic information of an organism is
changed in a stable manner, resulting in a mutation. It may
occur spontaneously in nature, or as a result of exposure to
mutagens.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Genetic Engineering
Conversation
1) What did you learn from this topic?
2) Any 2 advantages of using Insulin from genetically modified
organisms?
3) How is genetic engineering helping humans according to you?
© 2015 albert-learning.com