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A GENETICALLY MODIFIED WORLD?!?

WHAT WE KNOW...
DNA (genes) give the instructions for structure and function. Changes in the DNA sequence can cause changes to structure or function.

But we also know ...


Scientists know where all the instructions (genes) are found on our DNA. Scientists also know how to cut a gene out of DNA or how to add a gene into DNA. All organisms use the same DNA. For example, human genes work in bacteria, monkey genes work in mice and frog genes work in rice.

What does this mean?

GENETIC ENGINEERING
Genetic engineering is when scientists change the an organisms DNA. What do you get when you cross a fire fly and a tobacco plant?

An example of Genetic engineering: Fireflies have a gene which produces a glowing protein. Scientists were able cut the gene out of the DNA of the Fire Fly. They were also able to add that very same gene to the DNA of a tobacco plant. The plant is tricked into producing the protein which made it glow.

This is a plant that glows

Example 1: how to make a plant glow using genetic engineering:


1. cut out the gene from the DNA of a Fire Fly. Use an enzyme that acts like DNA scissors. 2. add this gene to the plants DNA when it is just one cell. Use another enzyme to help (like DNA glue), 3. the plant grows, 4. the plant is tricked into making the glowing protein and glows!

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