What is genetic engineering:
What is genetic engineering Genetic engineering, also known as recombinant DNA technology , means altering the genes in a living organism to produce a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) with a new genotype. Various kinds of genetic modification are possible: inserting a foreign gene from one species into another, forming a transgenic organism ; altering an existing gene so that its product is changed; or changing gene expression so that it is translated more often or not at all.
Basic steps in genetic engineering:
Basic steps in genetic engineering Isolate the gene Insert it in a host using a vector Produce as many copies of the host as possible Separate and purify the product of the gene
Step 1: Isolating the gene:
Step 1: Isolating the gene
Step 1: Alternative method (using reverse transcriptase):
Step 1: Alternative method (using reverse transcriptase) Reverse transcriptase mRNA converted into cDNA Complementary strand produced using DNA polymerase Advantage – more mRNA in cell than DNA
Step 2: Inserting gene into vector:
Step 2: Inserting gene into vector Vector – molecule of DNA which is used to carry a foreign gene into a host cell
Step 3: inserting vector into host:
Step 3: inserting vector into host See worksheet
Replica plating:
Replica plating
Step 4: Multiplication of the host cells by cloning:
Step 4: Multiplication of the host cells by cloning Large scale fermenters by cloning All genetically identical because of asexual reproduction
Step 5: Extraction of desired gene product:
Step 5: Extraction of desired gene product