Context and exemplification

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of naturally occurring processes and enzymes.
The capacity to manipulate genes has many potential benefits, but the implications of genetic techniques are subject to much public debate.

Assessable learning outcomes

Candidates should be able to:
(c) define the term recombinant DNA;
(d) explain that genetic engineering involves the extraction of genes from one organism, or the manufacture of genes, in order to place them in another organism (often of a different species) such that the receiving organism expresses the gene product (HSW6a);
(e) describe how sections of DNA containing a desired gene can be extracted from a donor organism using restriction enzymes;
(f) outline how DNA fragments can be separated by size using electrophoresis (HSW3);
(g) describe how DNA probes can be used to identify fragments containing specific sequences;
(h) outline how the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to make multiple copies of DNA fragments;
(i) explain how isolated DNA fragments can be placed in plasmids, with reference to the role of ligase;
(j) state other vectors into which fragments of DNA may be incorporated;
(k) explain how plasmids may be taken up by bacterial cells in order to produce a transgenic microorganism that can express a desired gene product;
(l) describe the advantage to microorganisms of the capacity to take up plasmid DNA from the environment;
(m) outline how genetic markers in plasmids can be used to identify the bacteria that have taken up a recombinant plasmid;
(n) outline the process involved in the genetic engineering of bacteria to produce human insulin;
(o) outline the process involved in the genetic engineering of 'Golden RiceTM' (HSW6a);
(p) outline how animals can be genetically engineered for Xenotransplantation (HSW6a, 6b);
(s) discuss the ethical concerns raised by the genetic manipulation of animals (including humans), plants and microorganisms (HSW4, 6a, 6b, 7c)