Outline examples of genetic modification: (a) the insertion of human genes into bacteria to produce human proteins (b) the insertion of genes into crop plants to confer resistance to herbicides (c) the insertion of genes into crop plants to confer resistance to insect pests (d) the insertion of genes into crop plants to improve nutritional qualities

Sourav PanNovember 15, 2024

Answered step-by-step

Examples of Genetic Modification

Genetic modification involves altering the genetic material of organisms to achieve desired traits. Here are specific examples that illustrate various applications of genetic modification:

(a) Insertion of Human Genes into Bacteria to Produce Human Proteins

Example: Production of Insulin

• Process: The gene responsible for producing human insulin is inserted into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
• Outcome: The genetically modified E. coli can produce human insulin, which can be harvested and purified for use in diabetes treatment. This method allows for large-scale production of insulin, making it more accessible and affordable.

(b) Insertion of Genes into Crop Plants to Confer Resistance to Herbicides

Example: Roundup Ready Soybeans

• Process: A gene that provides resistance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, is inserted into soybean plants.
• Outcome: These genetically modified soybeans can survive applications of glyphosate, allowing farmers to control weeds without damaging their crops. This leads to more efficient weed management and reduced need for mechanical weeding.

(c) Insertion of Genes into Crop Plants to Confer Resistance to Insect Pests

Example: Bt Cotton

• Process: The gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces a protein toxic to certain insect pests, is inserted into cotton plants.
• Outcome: Bt cotton is resistant to pests like the cotton bollworm, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. This not only lowers production costs for farmers but also minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

(d) Insertion of Genes into Crop Plants to Improve Nutritional Qualities

Example: Golden Rice

• Process: Genes that enable the synthesis of beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) are inserted into rice plants.
• Outcome: Golden Rice has enhanced nutritional qualities, providing a source of vitamin A to populations that rely heavily on rice as a staple food. This modification aims to combat vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues, including blindness and increased mortality rates in children.