5.11 describe how plasmids and viruses can act as vectors, which take up pieces of DNA, then insert this recombinant DNA into other cells

5.11 •vectors can be used to insert DNA into other organisms 

        •a vector is something that’s used to transfer DNA into a cell

        •there are two types - plasmids and viruses 

                  •plasmids are small and circular molecules of DNA that can be transferred between bacteria 

                  •viruses insert DNA into the organisms they infect

        •process of genetic engineering

                  •1. the DNA you want to insert e.g gene for human insulin) is cut out with a restriction enzyme and the vector of DNA is cut open as well 

                  •2. the ligase enzymes join is added and joins the gene and vector DNA, producing recombinant DNA  

                  •3. the recombinant DNA is inserted into other cells e.g bacteria  

                  •4. these cells now use the gene you inserted to make the protein you want