Inheritance & Survival

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering

Why can we not use pig organs in humans?

There is a shortage of hearts and kidneys for transplant – why not use a pig?

Biology text book p188

Manufacturing Insulin

Insulin is needed to keep diabetics alive.

Human insulin works best with humans

It is possible to obtain small amounts of human insulin from dead bodies.

Manufacturing Insulin

There are insufficient supplies of human insulin to meet demand.

Genetic engineers have devised ways of taking the human insulin gene – putting that gene into bacteria that then make insulin.

Making insulin

The gene for insulin is “cut” from the DNA of a human.

This is done by using enzymes.

Making insulin

Plasmids (small circles of DNA) are obtained from bacteria.

These plasmids are then cut open with enzymes.

Making insulin

The human insulin gene is “spliced” into the bacterial plasmid.

The plasmid is re-introduced to the bacteria.

Making insulin

The bacteria are grown in large tanks until there are millions of them.

All the plasmids will be busy making “human” insulin

Making insulin

This insulin can then be used by diabetics!

Genetically Modified Crops

GM crops

GM Crops

Read carefully through the sheet entitled “Genetic Modification”

GM Crops

Make a list of the advantages of GM crops.

Make a list of the reasons people maybe be against the use of GM crops.