Animation E4, 1.3 Production of GM animals

Summary

The video explains various methods of introducing new genes into animal cells to create genetically modified (GM) organisms. Techniques such as microinjection, where DNA is directly injected into fertilized mouse eggs, and viral methods, where harmless modified viruses transfer genes into cells, are highlighted. Additionally, liposomes, small phospholipid vesicles, can also deliver genes into animal cells by fusing with the cell membrane. After the new genes are integrated, the resulting GM animals, like mice, are tested to confirm whether the desired gene is incorporated into their genomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 New genes can be introduced into animal cells using several methods.
• 😀 One common method is microinjection, where a DNA fragment is injected into fertilized eggs of mice.
• 😀 In microinjection, the injected embryos are transferred to a surrogate mother for development.
• 😀 Baby mice born from microinjection are tested to confirm if the new gene is incorporated into their genome.
• 😀 Another method is using viruses, where the virus is modified to be harmless and carries the new gene.
• 😀 Viruses transfer the new gene into animal cells by infecting them, allowing the gene to integrate into the host genome.
• 😀 Liposomes are small phospholipid vesicles that can be used to deliver new genes into animal cells.
• 😀 When liposomes fuse with the cell membrane, they allow the new gene to enter the animal cell.
• 😀 Each of these gene transfer methods offers distinct advantages for creating genetically modified organisms.
• 😀 Gene transfer methods are used to produce GM animals for research, agriculture, and medical purposes.

Q & A

What is one of the methods used to introduce a new gene into an animal cell?

One method is micro-injection, where a DNA fragment containing the new gene is injected into a fertilized egg of an animal, such as a mouse.

How are GM (genetically modified) mice produced using micro-injection?

In micro-injection, a DNA fragment containing the new gene is injected into a fertilized mouse egg under a microscope. The fertilized egg is then allowed to grow into an embryo, which is transferred to a surrogate mother to develop further.

What happens after the GM mice embryos are transferred to a surrogate mother?

After the embryos are transferred to the surrogate mother, they grow and develop, and eventually, baby mice are born. These mice can then be tested to see if they have incorporated the new gene into their genome.

What is another method used to introduce a gene into an animal cell?

Another method is using viruses. The virus is modified to remove harmful genes, and the new gene is inserted into it. When the virus infects the animal cell, it transfers the new gene into the cell's genome.

How does the virus-based gene transfer method work?

In the virus-based method, the virus is first modified to make it harmless by removing disease-causing genes. Then, the new gene is inserted into the virus. Upon infecting the animal cell, the virus transfers the new gene into the cell, where it may integrate into the cell's genome.

What are liposomes, and how do they assist in gene delivery?

Liposomes are small vesicles made of phospholipids. They can be used to deliver genes into animal cells. When a liposome containing a new gene is mixed with animal cells, it fuses with the cell membrane, allowing the gene to enter the cell.

Why are viruses modified before being used for gene delivery?

Viruses are modified to remove the genes that cause diseases, ensuring that the virus becomes harmless before being used to transfer the new gene into the target animal cell.

How is the new gene delivered into the cell using liposomes?

When liposomes containing the new gene are introduced to animal cells, they fuse with the cell membrane, allowing the gene to enter the cell.

What is the role of the fertilized egg in the micro-injection method for creating GM mice?

In the micro-injection method, the fertilized egg serves as the starting point. It is injected with the DNA fragment containing the new gene, and once it develops into an embryo, it is transferred to a surrogate mother for further development.

What is the ultimate goal of using these genetic modification methods on animals?

The ultimate goal is to introduce new genes into animals, which can be used for research purposes, such as studying gene function, developing disease models, or potentially producing animals with desirable traits for agriculture or medicine.