BRAINCAKEKnockout Mice
A knockout mouse has had a particular gene inactivated, so the gene's product is not made. By seeing what goes wrong, scientists can work out what the gene normally does, and can create models of human diseases.
Method
1. A non-functional copy of the target gene is made, often with a marker gene inserted into it.
2. The faulty gene is introduced into mouse embryonic stem cells. In a few cells it replaces the normal gene by homologous recombination. Today CRISPR-Cas9 is often used instead.
3. Cells with the knockout are selected using the marker and injected into an early mouse blastocyst.
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Key terms in this lesson
- homologous recombination
- The exchange of DNA between matching sequences on two DNA molecules, used to replace a normal gene with a modified copy.
More in Gene Technology
- Cloning Plants
- Genetic Modification of Crops
- Genetic Modification of Soya Bean
- Gene Technology in Animals
- Gene Technology in Humans
- Human Gene Therapy
- Ethics
- Safety of GM Crops
All 17 lessons in Gene Technology · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics