6.6 Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering

Answer 1

Changing the genetic make up of an organism

Question 2

How is genetic engineering done?

Answer 2

At an early stage of the development or an organism, genes can be implanted into the organisms chromosomes so that he organism will take on the characteristic of the donor organism.

Question 3

How are genes “cut out” from the donor organism?

Answer 3

using enzymes.

Question 4

How many characteristics does a sing gene control

Answer 4

One

Question 5

In genetic engineering, can chromosomes only be placed transferred between members of the same specis?

Answer 5

No

Question 6

Give an example of a genetically modified bacteria

Answer 6

One that has been modified to produce large amounts of insulin to treat diabetes

Question 7

What are genetically modified crops called?

Answer 7

GM crops

Question 8

Why are crops genetically modified?

Answer 8

To make them insect herbicide resistant

To increase the yield

Question 9

What are the advantages of genetic engineering? 5

Answer 9

Can produce animals with useful characteristics, eg higher milk yield

Can make copies of best animals, eg race horses

If a person has a faulty gene, the correct gene can be transfered to the person and they may be cured

Several drugs can be produced by genetic enginering, eg insulin and antibodies

GM crops can be resistant to insects and herbicides and give better yields

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering 5

Answer 10

GM seeds infertile, farmers have to buy new seeds every year rather than growing their own (expense)

Concerns about accidentally introducing genes into wild flower population

Insects which are not pests may be affected by gm crops

Concerned about effect on health of eating gm crops

Ethical concerns, what will the long term effect be?