Gene Technology Overview

Gene technology aims to create bacteria that produce human proteins by combining human and bacterial genes.

1. Isolate the human gene e.g the gene for insulin
2. Cut open a vector and insert the gene into it
3. Put the vector back into fast-growing bacterial cells
4. Identify the cells that have taken up the human gene
5. Grow these using an industrial fermenter
6. Isolate and purify the human protein made by these cells

The Cell Cycle

G1: Cells prepare for DNA replication
S: DNA replication occurs
G2: The cell grows more until mitosis
M: Mitosis occurs (P, M, A & T)

Mitosis

Mitosis:

• Cell division to produce new cells from old


• Two daughter cells identical to the parent cell
  
  

Prophase -

1. The chromosomes coil, becomming shorter and fatter


2. The nuclear envelope disappears


3. Spindle fibres are formed

Metaphase

1. Chromosomes line up along the equator


2. Spindle fibres attach to centromeres

Anaphase

1. Centromeres divide


2. Spindle fibres contract and pull sister chromatids to opposite ends of the cell


3. The chromosomes are now called chromosomes again

Telophase

1. The two groups of chromosomes form at opposite ends of the cell


2. Nuclear envelopes form around each group


3. Chromosomes uncoil to become long and thin


4. Cytokinesis takes place so that two new cells are formed

Interphase

1. The new cells form more cytoplasm and carry out normal functions


2. DNA replicates.