Genetic Engineering Basics
Genetic engineering happens when we change or manipulate the DNA of organisms. Scientists can take DNA from one organism and put it into another to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This amazing process helps solve real-world problems!
One important application is making insulin for people with diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Without enough insulin, people develop diabetes and need insulin shots to stay healthy.
To create this insulin, scientists use special tools like restriction enzymes that cut DNA at specific locations. They also use plasmids - circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria that can make many copies of themselves.
Cool Science Alert: When scientists combine DNA from different organisms, they create what's called "recombinant DNA." This technology helps produce medications that save lives every day!
The process works like this: scientists cut open a plasmid using restriction enzymes, insert the gene they want (like the human insulin gene), put this new combined DNA back into bacteria, and then let the bacteria reproduce - creating millions of copies of the insulin!