Inheritance & EvolutionDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Genetic Engineering · GCSE GCSE Biology revision

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Genetic Engineering for GCSE Biology. Genetic modification, gene therapy, and biotechnology applications It is section 5 of 11 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 5 of 11

Practice

24 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Key Definitions

Genetic engineering: The direct modification of an organism's genome by inserting, deleting, or altering specific genes using molecular biology techniques.

Restriction enzyme: A molecular "scissors" enzyme that recognises and cuts a specific DNA sequence, leaving sticky ends that allow other DNA fragments to be joined on.

Ligase: An enzyme that joins (ligates) DNA fragments together by forming covalent bonds between sticky ends — acts as molecular "glue."

Vector: A carrier used to transfer a gene into a host organism. Common vectors include bacterial plasmids and viruses.

Plasmid: A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule found in bacteria, separate from the bacterial chromosome. Used as a vector in genetic engineering.

GM organism (genetically modified organism): An organism that has had its genome altered by the insertion of a gene from another organism using genetic engineering.

Golden rice: A genetically modified variety of rice that has been engineered to produce beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) in the edible grain, developed to address vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.

Gene therapy: A technique that introduces, alters, or replaces genetic material within a person's cells to treat or prevent disease, such as inserting a functional copy of a faulty gene.

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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Genetic Engineering. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

How It Works: Restriction Enzymes, Ligase, and Vectors Common Misconceptions What is Genetic Engineering?Examples of Genetic Engineering

Practice Questions for Genetic Engineering

Which of the following is a benefit of genetic engineering?

A. It can only be used for humans
B. It can introduce new traits into an organism by modifying its DNA sequence
C. It is expensive and time-consuming due to the complexity of genome manipulation
D. It only works for plants, not animals or microorganisms

2 marksfoundation

A genetic engineer uses a gene from one organism to introduce a desirable characteristic into another organism. This process is an example of which type of genetic engineering?

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is genetic engineering?

The direct modification of an organism's genome by inserting a gene from another organism (or a modified gene) to give it a new or altered characteristic. The resulting organism is called a genetically modified (GM) organism.

How is insulin produced using genetic engineering?

The human insulin gene is inserted into bacterial plasmids. The bacteria are grown in large fermenters and produce human insulin protein. This insulin is then purified for use by diabetics. Before this, pig or cow insulin (slightly different) was used.

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How It Works: Restriction Enzymes, Ligase, and Vectors

Common Misconceptions