The Process of Genetic Modification

Genetic modification

Changing an organism’s DNA by adding a gene from another species

Restriction enzyme

Enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences

Ligase enzyme

Enzyme that joins pieces of DNA together

Vector

Carrier used to transfer DNA (often plasmid or virus)

Plasmid

Small circular DNA molecule used as a vector in bacteria

Recombinant DNA

DNA that contains genes from different species

Transgenic organism

Organism that contains a gene from another species

First step of genetic modification

Identify and isolate the desired gene

How is the gene cut out?

Using restriction enzymes

How is the plasmid prepared?

Cut open with the same restriction enzyme

Why use the same restriction enzyme?

Creates matching sticky ends for joining

How is the gene inserted into the plasmid?

Ligase enzyme joins the DNA pieces

What is the plasmid now called?

Recombinant plasmid

How is the plasmid inserted into bacteria?

Bacteria take up plasmids (transformation)

Why are bacteria used?

They reproduce quickly and make large amounts of the product

Example of GM product

Insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria