6.2.2

Uses of Genetic Engineering

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Uses of Genetic Engineering

There are a number of applications of genetic engineering, including:

Transferring genes into animals

Transferring genes into animals

  • Cloned sheep have had their genomes modified (they are transgenic) so that their milk contains drugs that can be used to treat human diseases.
Transferring genes into plants

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.
Transferring genes into bacteria

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
1

The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2

Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3

Organism Functions

3.1

Respiration

3.2

Gas Exchange

3.3

Transport

3.4

Excretion

3.5

Coordination & Response

4

Reproduction & Inheritance

5

Ecology

6

Biological Resources

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