B2: Genetic Engineering

Nota:

• = transferring a gene from one organism to another. 

1. 1: Modification of bacteria to make human insulin

   Nota:

   • 1) Extract a bacterial plasmid using enzymes.  2) Extract human insulin gene from a human cell. 3) Insert insulin into plasmid.  4) Put plasmid back in bacterial cell.  5) Bacteria multiply and produce insulin. 
   1. Pros

      Nota:

      • Cheap Vegan friendly
   2. Cons

      Nota:

      • Gene mutations Contamination
2. 2: Herbicide Resistance

   Nota:

   • Vegetable crops are given gene to make them resistant to weed killer. 
   1. Pros

      Nota:

      • More crop yield
   2. Cons

      Nota:

      • Loss of biodiversity Risk of cross pollination Unknown health effects
3. 3: Golden Rice

   Nota:

   • Normal rice plant has 2 extra genes inserted to produce beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is required for the production of Vitamin A. 
   1. Pros

      Nota:

      • Prevents Vitamin A deficiency in poor countries.  Because of this there is a lower chance of blindness and poor immune systems.
   2. Cons

      Nota:

      • Cross pollination Beta carotene levels too low to be effective Too expensive