2.8 Ethical Considerations

Question 1

Define the term ‘ethical issues’

Answer 1

Refers to the human attitudes regarding the rights and wrongs of using microorganisms in gene technology

Question 2

Give two arguments in support of use of genetic transformation

Answer 2

:) Improved disease resistance of crops, decreased use of pesticides
:) Production of medicinal products to improve health

Question 3

Give examples of a medicinal product produced by genetic transformation

Answer 3

Human insulin produced from E.coli

Question 4

Give two arguments against the use of genetic engineering

Answer 4

:( risks in terms of drug and food safety

:( unknown impact of genes that might ‘escape’ into wild populations

Question 5

What is a hazard?

Answer 5

Danger that could arise when carrying out an activity

Question 6

What is a risk?

Answer 6

Calculated chance of potential hazard occurring

Question 7

How can you reduce the risks of microbiological processes?

Answer 7

Using aseptic techniques