Genetic Engineering 2
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 6.2.9
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering happens like this:
Cut the gene out
- Enzymes are used to “cut” a desired gene out of a chromosome.
Cut a vector
- The same enzyme is used to “cut” a vector. The Vector is usually a bacterial plasmid (loop of DNA) or virus.
Gene inserted
- The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells.
Delivering gene
- If the gene is delivered into cells before they have differentiated (at the egg or embryo stage), all cells in the developed organism will have the gene and show the characteristic.
Test yourself on Genetic Engineering 2
What is NOT "cut" by the enzyme used in genetic engineering?
Genetic Engineering
At what stage must a gene be delivered into an organism's cells for every cell in the developed organism to carry that gene?
A gene is inserted into an animal's cells after those cells have differentiated. What is the most likely outcome?
Why does delivering a gene into cells before they differentiate result in every cell of the developed organism carrying that gene?