The process of genetic engineering - Higher
The main steps of genetic engineeringA process of changing the structure of a particular gene, usually to remove defects.:
- Restriction enzymes are used to isolate the required geneThe basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. leaving it with sticky ends. Sticky ends are a short section of unpaired bases
- A vectorThe way in which genetic material is transferred from a donor to a recipient e.g. plasmids and artificial chromosomes. , which is usually a bacterial plasmidThe small circular genetic material present in bacterial cells and used in DNA recombinant technology. or a virus, is cut by the same restriction enzyme leaving it with corresponding sticky ends.
- The vector and the isolated gene are joined together by ligase enzyme.
- The vector inserts the gene into required cells.
- The genes are transferred to animal, plant or microorganism cells, during early development, which allows them to develop with the desired characteristics.
This diagram shows how the genetic engineering of insulinA hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood and can be produced by genetically modified bacteria. works: