Genetic engineering and its stages

What is genetic engineering?

The process of modifying an organism's genome to introduce desirable characteristics.

What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering.

What is the purpose of genetic engineering?

To introduce desirable characteristics by changing an organism's genetic material.

What is the first main stage of genetic engineering?

Identify and isolate the gene responsible for the desired characteristic.

What is a restriction enzyme?

An enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific recognition sequence.

What is the role of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

They cut out the desired gene and may cut open the vector DNA.

What is DNA ligase?

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together by forming bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone.

What is the role of ligase in genetic engineering?

It joins the desired gene to the vector DNA.

What are sticky ends?

Short, unpaired sections of DNA bases produced when certain restriction enzymes cut DNA.

Why are sticky ends useful?

Complementary sticky ends can pair together, helping the desired gene join to the vector.

What is a vector in genetic engineering?

A carrier, such as a bacterial plasmid or a virus, used to transfer a gene into a target cell.

What is a plasmid?

A small circular DNA molecule found in many bacteria that can be used as a vector.

How is a desired gene inserted into a plasmid?

Restriction enzymes cut the gene and plasmid to create compatible ends, then DNA ligase joins them.

What happens after a recombinant plasmid is made?

It is introduced into a target cell, where the inserted gene may be expressed.

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA formed by joining genetic material from different sources.

What is the general sequence of genetic engineering?

Isolate the desired gene, cut the gene and vector with suitable restriction enzymes, join them using ligase, transfer the vector into target cells and identify successful cells.