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Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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Notes de leçon

Usefulness of Bacteria

  • Bacteria are the most common microorganisms used in biotechnology.
  • They can produce complex molecules (e.g., enzymes for yoghurt).
  • They reproduce rapidly, so chemical production can increase quickly.
  • Extended: Few ethical concerns for large-scale growth.
  • Extended: Possess plasmids – small circular DNA loops ideal for gene transfer.

Biotechnology – Everyday Products

  • Biofuels: Yeast ferments glucose anaerobically to produce ethanol (and CO₂).
  • Ethanol is concentrated and blended with petrol or used alone.
  • Waste plant parts or dedicated crops can be used; concern over land for food.
  • Bread: Yeast produces CO₂ by anaerobic respiration, making dough rise.
  • Fruit juice: Enzyme pectinase breaks down pectin in cell walls, releasing more juice and making it clearer.
  • Biological washing powders: Contain enzymes (e.g., proteases, lipases) that break down stains at lower temperatures.
  • Extended – Lactose-free milk: Enzyme lactase breaks down lactose for intolerant individuals.

Anaerobic respiration in yeast producing biofuel

Anaerobic respiration in yeast producing biofuel

Penicillin Production

  • Penicillin is an antibiotic produced by the fungus×Penicillium×.
  • Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
  • Produced on a large scale in industrial fermenters.
  • Fermenters control conditions: aseptic (steam sterilisation), nutrients, optimum temperature (water jacket), optimum pH (probes + acids/alkalis), oxygenation, agitation (stirring paddles), and waste removal.

Industrial fermenter used to produce penicillin

Industrial fermenter used to produce penicillin

Mycoprotein Production

  • Fungus×Fusarium×is cultured in fermenters under aerobic conditions.
  • Provided with glucose syrup as food source.
  • Fungal biomass is harvested and purified to produce mycoprotein.
  • Mycoprotein is a protein-rich food suitable for vegetarians (e.g., Quorn).

Genetic Modification – Definition & Examples

  • Genetic modification (GM) alters an organism's DNA by removing, changing, or inserting genes from another organism.
  • The modified organism is transgenic; its DNA is recombinant.
  • Example 1: Human insulin gene inserted into bacteria to produce insulin for diabetes.
  • Example 2: Crops (e.g., maize) with a bacterial gene for insect poison – pest resistance.
  • Example 3: Herbicide-resistant crops – only weeds die when herbicide is sprayed.
  • Example 4: Golden rice – genes from another plant and a bacterium produce vitamin A precursor.

Genetic Modification – Process (Extended)

  • 1. Restriction enzymes cut out the desired gene, leaving sticky ends (unpaired bases).
  • 2. Same enzyme cuts a bacterial plasmid, creating complementary sticky ends.
  • 3. DNA ligase joins the gene and plasmid to form recombinant plasmid.
  • 4. Recombinant plasmid is inserted into a bacterial cell.
  • 5. Bacteria multiply in a fermenter, copying the plasmid and producing the human protein.
  • Bacteria are ideal because they share the same genetic code, have plasmids, and raise few ethical issues.

Genetic modification: cutting, joining and inserting a recombinant plasmid

Genetic modification: cutting, joining and inserting a recombinant plasmid

Diapos

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Questions d'entraînement

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  1. 1.Which of these statements correctly describes genetic engineering?

    Easy
    • AOnly breeding from crop plants that are resistant to pests.
    • BAltering the DNA in crop plants so that they are resistant to herbicides.
    • CUsing yeast to produce ethanol.
    • DProduction of insulin in the pancreas.
  2. 2.Which of the following is a reason yeast is used to make bread?

    Easy
    • AIt produces ethanol.
    • BIt produces lactic acid.
    • CIt produces carbon dioxide.
    • DIt produces oxygen.
  3. 3.What is the name of the enzyme used to produce clear apple juice?

    Easy
    • ALipase
    • BAmylase
    • CProtease
    • DPectinase
  4. 4.What needs to be inserted into a bacterial cell to allow it to produce insulin to treat diabetes?

    Easy
    • AAn enzyme.
    • BA molecule of insulin.
    • CA length of DNA from a human.
    • DA length of DNA from a bacterium.
  5. 5.Why are bacteria used in biotechnology?

    Easy
    • AThey can make complex molecules.
    • BThey are found inside the human body.
    • CThey reproduce slowly.
    • DThey can become resistant to antibiotics.
  6. 6.What is an example of genetic modification?

    Easy
    • AInserting genes into bacteria
    • BInserting insulin into bacteria
    • CSpraying plants with herbicides
    • DUsing biological washing powders
  7. 7.Which cell structure makes bacteria useful for genetic modification?

    Easy
    • ACell membrane
    • BCell wall
    • CCytoplasm
    • DPlasmids
  8. 8.The diagram shows an industrial fermenter used to produce penicillin. What is the function of the part labelled WATER JACKET?

    Medium
    • AAdd oxygen to the solution
    • BMaintain an even temperature throughout the solution
    • CRecord the pH of the solution
    • DSterilise the solution

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