Uses of Genetic Engineering
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 6.2.2
Uses of Genetic Engineering
There are a number of applications of genetic engineering, including:
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
- 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
- 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.
Test yourself on Uses of Genetic Engineering
What is genetic engineering not typically used to achieve?
Why might we want to genetically modify plants?