Vectors & Recombinant DNA
- Plasmids and viruses can act as vectors for genetic engineering
- They take up pieces of DNA and then insert this recombinant DNA into other cells
- Viruses transfer DNA into human cells or bacteria
- Plasmids - transfer DNA into bacteria or yeast
DNA ligase is used to join two separate pieces of DNA together
- The genetically engineered plasmid is inserted into a bacterial cell
- When the bacteria reproduce the plasmids are copied as well and so a recombinant plasmid can quickly be spread as the bacteria multiply and they will then all express the gene and make the human protein
- The genetically engineered bacteria can be placed in a fermenter to reproduce quickly in controlled conditions and make large quantities of the human protein
