Genetic Engineering and Selective Breeding

Genetic engineering - modifying an organism’s genome (DNA) to introduce desirable characteristics.

Recombinant DNA - DNA made up of 2 bits

1. Restriction enzyme cuts genome and vector DNA
2. Plasmid/virus inserts one DNA into the other
3. Restriction enzyme joins DNA by sticky ends
4. Organism works with normal just with the new characteristic

Selective breeding - breeding animals/plants to get the most desirable characteristics in offspring

Benefits:

• Increases resources
• Can be used for medicine

Drawbacks:

• Reduces gene pool
• Makes breed vulnerable
• Leads to inbreeding
• Lead to health problems