Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic.
- Enzymes are used to isolate the required gene by cutting it from the DNA.
- The gene is inserted into a vector (a bacterial plasmid or virus). If the vector is a bacterial plasmid, the same enzyme is used to cut open the plasmid and a second is used to seal it.
- The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells.
Genes are transferred to the cells of animals, plants or bacteria at an early stage in their development (e.g. embryo in animals) so they develop with the desired characteristics; all cells produced via mitosis will then contain the same gene.
Some people disagree with genetic engineering for religious or moral reasons.

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