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:

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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.
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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

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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