BRAINCAKEEthical Concerns - microorganisms
Genetically modified bacteria can be made to produce large quantities of useful substances such as insulin or vaccines or can be used in medical or industrial processes. Gene libraries can also be built up by storing the DNA in the microorganism for use in the future. However, genetically engineered pathogens pose a danger to the public and is strictly regulated. There are fears that genetically engineered pathogens may be used in biological warfare so genetic modification of pathogens is restricted to specialised military research facilities.
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Key terms in this lesson
- Insulin
- A hormone secreted by beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to high blood glucose concentration that increases the uptake of glucose by cells.
More in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Recombinant DNA
- Genetic Engineering
- Genetically Engineering Different Organisms
- Genetically Engineering Plants
- GM plants
- Patenting
- GM animals
- Gene Therapy
All 17 lessons in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology · All OCR A-level Biology topics