6.6 Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What does Genetic Engineering involve?

Answer 1

Changing the genetic makeup of an organism

Question 2

When can genes be transferred to the cells of animals or plants?

Answer 2

At an early stage during their development

Question 3

What happens when genes are transferred?

Answer 3

First they are cut out of the chromosome using an enzyme and then the gene is then placed in the chromosome of another organism

Question 4

What are genes mostly placed in and why?

Answer 4

Organisms of the same species to give them a ‘desired’ characteristic

Question 5

What type of genes are placed in different species and why?

Answer 5

Bacterium. For example the gene that produces insulin can be placed in bacteria so the bacteria can produce large quantities of it and treat diabetes

Question 6

What are crops with changed genes called?

Answer 6

GM crops (genetically modified)

Question 7

What is so good about GM crops?

Answer 7

They may be insect or herbicide resistant