BRAINCAKEGenetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Revision notes for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in OCR Biology A (H420). Every lesson in BrainCake comes with R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps, a quick check and spaced reviews.
- Non-coding DNAThe human genome consists of 20-25,000 genes, making up about 2% of the human DNA.
- Gel ElectrophoresisGel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments.
- DNA ProfilingStrands of DNA are cut into small fragments using restriction endonucleases.
- The Polymerase Chain ReactionIn the past, at least 1μg of DNA was required for DNA profiling.
- DNA SequencingThe idea of DNA sequencing is to work out the order of nucleotide bases in DNA.
- Automated SequencingNowadays, the sequencing reaction takes place on a plastic slide called a flow cell.
- Pathogens, DNA BarcodingThe genomes of several pathogens have been sequenced.
- Genomics and ProteomicsThere are 10 - 40 times as many proteins as there are genes.
- Recombinant DNADNA from two different organisms can be joined together.
- Genetic EngineeringOnce the gene is isolated and inserted into a vector (usually a plasmid) the vector is introduced into the host cell.
- Genetically Engineering Different OrganismsThe human insulin gene has been engineered into E. coli to produce large quantities of human insulin.
- Genetically Engineering PlantsA leaf can be cut and then exposed to Agrobacterium tumefaciens which has been genetically engineered to include a recombinant plasmid.
- Ethical Concerns - microorganismsGenetically modified bacteria can be made to produce large quantities of useful substances such as insulin or vaccines or can be used in medical or…
- GM plantsAlthough the production of GM plants could help address global issues such as providing food and reducing damage to the environment there are risks…
- PatentingCompanies that develop GM crops may apply for patents preventing farmers from growing the crops without payment or harvesting seed so they can grow…
- GM animalsGenetically modifying animals is much harder than genetically modifying plants or microorganisms.
- Gene TherapyGene therapy is the treatment of a genetic disorder by inserting a functional allele into a patient's cells, so that the cells can make the protein…
On the specification
- 6.1.3 Manipulating genomes