Genetic Engineering pt 2- B6.2.5

why do scientists genetically engineer bacteria?

produce useful substances like hormones, vaccines, and antibodies

what do restriction enzymes do?

1. cuts the DNA at a specific sequence either side of the gene and it leaves unpaired bases on ends of DNA strand called the sticky ends

2. It also cuts a specific space in the plasmid for the desired gene to fit in

3. This is so the gene is complementary to the plasmid

what are ligase enzymes?

used to repair sugar phosphate backbone and it is used to stick DNA into plasmids in the bacteria cell.

what is a selective gene marker?

adding a gene to the modified plasmid for antibiotic resistance.

summary of the process in putting a desired gene into a bacteria cell?

1. restriction enzyme cuts DNA and Plasmid at specific DNA sequence creating sticky ends

2. DNA ligase sticks fragments into plasmids

3. Plasmids are used as a vector to transfer DNA into bacteria

4. Plasmids also then contain selective marker genes that contain antibiotics and the desired gene.