Transcript Class Notes 2: Genetic Engineering

Class Notes 2:
Genetic Engineering
I. Genetic Engineering
A. When humans make a
change in an organism’s
DNA code.
B. In recombinant DNA ,
genes from one species
can be inserted into
another.
C. Is frequently used in
many of the foods we
eat.
II. GM foods
A. These are crops that have been genetically
engineered (modified).They are also called
transgenic, because they have genes from
another species.
B. GM crops make up 52% of the soybeans and
25% of the corn we eat.
III. How is it done?
A. In bacteria:
1.A restriction enzyme is used to cut a
gene.
2. The gene is added to a bacterial
plasmid using sticky ends.
3. The plasmid is added to a bacteria,
which makes many copies of the
plasmid.
B. In plants:
1. The bacteria is
modified (see A)
2. The modified
bacteria can be
allowed to infect a
plant
C. In animals:
1. A fertilized egg cell must be used.
2. The foreign DNA is inserted into the
nucleus using restriction enzymes and
sticky ends.
3. The egg is implanted in a female.
4. The female gives birth to the transgenic
organism.
Video Questions:
 1. What do Europeans do to genetically
modified foods? Should the US do the
same?
 2. What happens when we genetically
modify food?
 3. How are hybrids made?
 4. What was the purpose of making
genetically modified “Golden Rice”?
 5. What benefits do farmers receive
by genetically altering their crop?
 6. How often are we eating genetically
modified foods? Explain.
 7. What are some risks of genetically
modified foods?