Genetic Engineering Overview

The process of altering the DNA makeup of an organism using laboratory-based technologies.

A traditional approach to improving crops where organisms with desirable traits are selectively bred.

A natural or artificial change in the sequence of DNA, potentially altering a trait.

The transfer of genetic material (DNA) from one organism to another, often used in genetic engineering.

A circular piece of DNA found in bacteria, often used as a vehicle for gene transfer in genetic engineering.

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in genetic engineering to isolate and manipulate genes.

The process of joining pieces of DNA together, often used in genetic engineering to create recombinant DNA.

A cell that has been genetically modified to carry and express foreign DNA.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These alterations can be for various purposes, such as introducing new traits, enhancing existing traits, or eliminating undesirable characteristics.

Bt-Eggplant is a genetically modified variety of eggplant that contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This gene produces a protein that is toxic to certain insects, making the eggplant resistant to insect pests.

While GMOs can offer potential benefits like increased crop yield, pest resistance, and improved nutrition, some people have concerns about their safety and potential environmental impacts. These concerns include the possibility of unexpected health effects, the spread of modified genes, and the potential for creating new allergenic or toxic substances.

Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to create new gene combinations. This process usually involves cutting DNA with restriction enzymes, inserting the desired gene into a vector (like a plasmid), and then introducing the vector into a host cell. The modified cell then replicates, producing copies of the recombinant DNA.

Biosafety refers to the measures taken to ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) do not pose risks to human health, the environment, or biodiversity. It involves assessing potential hazards, implementing risk management strategies, and monitoring the impact of GMOs.

Recombinant cells expressing specific genes can be identified using antibiotic resistance genes. These genes are included in the plasmid and grant resistance to certain antibodies, making growth possible in selective media.

Recombinant cells with inserted genes can be easily identified using fluorescent proteins like GFP. The expression of these proteins causes the cells to fluoresce under specific wavelengths of light.

PCR is a powerful technique that uses DNA primers to amplify specific sequences. By targeting the gene of interest, presence in the recombinant cells can be confirmed.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using recombinant DNA technology. This can introduce new or enhanced traits.

The Flavr-Savr tomato is a genetically modified organism engineered for longer shelf life. By blocking the expression of the polygalacturonase gene, the fruit remains firmer and retains its freshness longer.

Bt-Corn is a genetically modified corn variety that produces a toxin (Bt-endotoxin) from Bacillus thuringensis. This toxin is lethal to certain pests, like the corn borer larvae, leading to increased crop yield

Bt-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringensis is a toxin that specifically targets Lepidoptera larvae, a group of insects that includes pests like corn borer. This specificity makes it safe for humans and other animals.

The introduction of Bt-endotoxin into corn plants through genetic modification helps mitigate losses from pest infestation, leading to increased crop production.

A process involving shooting DNA-coated pellets into plant cells, allowing cells to take up and express the desired gene, resulting in a transformed plant that expresses the desired protein.

A technique used to insert plasmid DNA into bacteria by making the cells more permeable using calcium chloride (CaCl2), followed by a rapid shift in temperature to aid DNA uptake. This process allows cells to acquire new traits and become transformed.

The process of increasing the permeability of cell membranes using an electric shock. It's commonly used to insert genes into mammalian cells, allowing them to acquire new characteristics.

A method used to identify and isolate cells that have successfully taken up the desired plasmid. This is done by using a selection marker within the plasmid, often an antibiotic resistance gene. Only transformed cells with the plasmid will be able to grow in the presence of the antibiotic.

A gene that allows cells containing the plasmid to survive in the presence of a specific antibiotic. This gene acts as a selection marker, enabling researchers to identify cells that have been transformed by the plasmid.

Cells that have successfully incorporated the plasmid DNA and acquired the ability to express the gene encoded within the plasmid. This leads to new traits being expressed in the cells.

Growing transformed cells on a culture medium containing the specific antibiotic. This allows only the transformed cells with the antibiotic resistance gene to grow and form distinct colonies, confirming successful transformation.

After transformation, the cells carrying the plasmid are allowed to grow and reproduce, forming visible groups of cells called colonies. Each colony represents a group of cells originating from a single transformed cell.