This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Genetic Engineering for GCSE Biology. Genetic modification, gene therapy, and biotechnology applications It is section 10 of 11 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 10 of 11
Practice
25 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Key Terms
- Genetic engineering — directly altering an organism's DNA
- Restriction enzyme — molecular scissors, cuts at specific sequence
- Ligase — molecular glue, joins DNA fragments
- Sticky ends — single-stranded overhangs from restriction enzyme cuts
- Vector — carrier (plasmid or virus) for the gene
- Plasmid — small circular bacterial DNA, used as vector
- GM organism — has foreign gene inserted into its genome
- Transformation — process of bacteria taking up the plasmid
CLIP Steps
- Cut — restriction enzyme cuts out the desired gene
- Ligase — seals the gene into the vector plasmid
- Insert — recombinant plasmid transferred into bacteria
- Produce — bacteria express the gene and make the protein
Examples
- Insulin — human gene in bacteria, treats type 1 diabetes
- Golden rice — beta-carotene gene in rice, vitamin A source
- GM crops — herbicide/pest resistance genes inserted
- Gene therapy — functional gene replaces faulty one in patients
GM Crops: Key Arguments
- For: higher yield, vitamin enrichment, less pesticide
- Against: gene spread to wild plants, unknown ecology, ethics
- Safety: no evidence current approved GM crops harm health
- Debate is mainly environmental and ethical, not health-based