6.2.8

Uses of Genetic Modification

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Uses of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering has many different possible applications, including:

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Transferring genes into animals

  • Sheep have had their genomes modified so that their milk contains drugs that can be used to treat human diseases.
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Transferring genes into plants

  • Many genetically modified (GM) crops exist. They have been engineered to have the following characteristics:
    • Resistance to diseases, insects, or herbicides.
    • Production of larger or ‘better’ fruits.
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Transferring genes into bacteria

  • Bacterial DNA has been engineered in such a way that it contains the human insulin gene.
  • By creating a colony of this modified bacteria, there can be rapid and cheap production of large quantities of human insulin. This can be used to treat type 1 diabetics.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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