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Genetic engineering techniques and critical evaluation

Inheritance, variation and evolution • Variation and evolution

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Genetic engineering alters an organism’s genome by inserting genes from another organism into its DNA.
  • This inserted gene provides the instructions for protein synthesis in the host, enabling the expression of new traits.
  • When a gene from one species integrates into another, the resulting organism becomes transgenic, expressing the protein coded by the foreign gene.

Flashcards

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What limits successful expression of an inserted gene?

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Incompatible regulatory sequences, host machinery issues, incorrect gene sequences, or epigenetic effects can hinder expression.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Genetic engineering alters genomes to change phenotypes; transgenic means a foreign gene is present.

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sites; DNA ligase seals insertions to form recombinant DNA.

Plasmids serve as vectors in bacteria; viruses can act as vectors in eukaryotic cells.

Selection markers and reporter genes indicate successful transformations and gene expression.

Benefits include increased yields, improved nutritional content, and medical protein production like insulin.

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