Isolating the Gene

First the gene to be inserted into the genetically modified organism must be chosen and isolated. Presently, most genes transferred into plants provide protection against insects or tolerance to herbicides.In animals the majority of genes used are growth hormone genes.Once chosen the genes must be isolated. This typically involves multiplying the gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If the chosen gene or the donors organisms genome has been well studied it will most likely be present in a genetic library. If the DNA sequence is known but no copies of the gene are available it can be artificially synthesized. Once isolated the gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid.