5.6- Genetically Modified Organisms

Transgenic Plants:

• A transgenic organism has had its genotype altered producing a new strain of organism.
• These are also known as genetically modified organisms.
• Bacteria are readily introduced into plants. 
• Certain species naturally attack damaged plants and cause the plant cells to multiply and cause a tumour.
• The bacteria do this by inserting genes form their own plasmids into one of the plant's chromosomes. 
• The plasmid gene links with the DNA of the plant but stimulates the growth of a tumour.
• Scientists can replace the tumour-forming genes in the bacterial plasmids with useful genes.
• Examples of GM foods:
• Soya beans (plants modified to be resistant to wee killers)
• Tomatoes (enzyme that causes outside of tomato to go soft due to the break down of the pectin in the cell walls is blocked. Tomatoes have a longer shelf life and better taste)

Potential Benefits of…