Genetic Engineering and Fossils

To transfer a gene responsible for a desirable characteristics from one organisms genome to another organism

• A gene is cut from an organisms genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector • The vector is either a virus or a bacterial plasmid • The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells • Genes are transferred to the cells of the organism at an early stage in their development so they develop with the desired characteristics

• Bacteria have been GM to produce human insulin (treat diabetes) • GM crops have had their genes modified for disease resistance • Sheep have been GE to produce substances in their milk that can be used to treat human diseases

• Some people say they aren’t safe • The genes may get into the wild (e.g. herbicide resistance gene may be passed onto weeds) • Decrease in gene pool • Decreases biodiversity

• Increase yield - Developing counties lack nutrients in their food, GE can be the solution

Remains of organisms from thousands of years ago

• Replacement by minerals • Casts and impressions • Parts of an organism which haven’t decayed because one or more conditions for decay weren’t present

Most of the organisms were soft bodied so they have left few traces behind or their traces were destroyed by geological activity

They show how life evolved