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What is genetic engineering and how does it relate to breaking the species barrier?
Genetic engineering is the manipulation and alteration of genes, allowing for the combination of genes from unrelated species, thus breaking the species barrier.
Describe the process of isolation in the genetic engineering of insulin.
In the isolation phase, the target gene for human insulin production is located and cut from its chromosome, separating it from other genes.
What role do restriction enzymes play in genetic engineering?
Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, enabling the separation of the target gene from its chromosome and the plasmid.
Explain the ligation step in the recombinant DNA process.
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What is transformation in the context of genetic engineering?
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What is one application of genetic engineering in plants?
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How do genetically engineered sheep contribute to medicine?
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Why is bacterial production of human insulin significant?
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Study Notes
Genetic Engineering
- The alteration and manipulation of genes.
- Combines genes from different species that would not naturally mate.
- Breaks down the species barrier.
- Allows for the insertion of genes from:
- Humans into bacteria and other animals.
- Bacteria into plants.
Process of Insulin Production
- Isolation: The target gene for human insulin is extracted and separated from other genes.
- Cutting: A restriction enzyme cuts both the target gene (human insulin-producing gene) and a bacterial plasmid (cloning vector) at the same base sequence to create compatible ends.
- Ligation: The cut insulin gene and plasmid are mixed, and DNA ligase joins the foreign DNA into the plasmid, forming recombinant DNA.
- Transformation: The recombinant DNA is introduced into the chosen bacterial species.
- Expression: The bacteria are cultivated and reproduce, creating genetically identical copies, demonstrating cloning. All of these cells are genetically identical.
Applications of Genetic Engineering
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Plants:
- Weedkiller-resistant crops: Inserting bacterial genes for herbicide resistance into crop plants allows herbicides to kill weeds without harming the crops.
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Animals:
- Sheep produce a protein for emphysema treatment: A human gene for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) is introduced into sheep, allowing them to produce the protein in their milk.
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Microorganisms:
- Bacteria make insulin: A human insulin gene is inserted into bacteria, enabling them to produce human insulin, eliminating the risk of antibody formation from using pig insulin.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of genetic engineering and the specific process of insulin production. This quiz covers the manipulation of genes across species and the steps involved in creating recombinant DNA for insulin. Test your knowledge on key concepts and techniques used in modern biotechnology.
