Genetic engineering can be done by transferring a desirable geneThe basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. from a donor organism into the genomeThe complete set of DNA found in an organism. of a recipient organism.
It is useful in agriculture and technology and has helped further scientific research.
Genetic engineering can be carried out on plants and animals.
Some of the most interesting tests by scientists are below:
Slide 1 of 4, Rows of bananas, Banana vaccines Hate injections? Scientists have discovered a way of turning the humble banana into a life saving vaccine. An engineered part of a virus is injected into the fruit where it multiplies thousands of times. When eaten, it produces antibodies which fight off deadly disease.
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Usually the recipient organism is a bacterial cell because:
Bacterial DNA is easily manipulated.
Bacteria can reproduce very rapidly.
The bacteria then have the ability to make whatever the desirable gene codes for, like insulinHormone that reduces blood glucose levels. for example.