8 - GMOS Flashcards
What are GMOs?
Genetically modified organisms are organisms that have their DNA altered.
What can be genetically modified to produce proteins which are used as drugs?
Microorganisms, plants, animals
How are microorganisms engineered to produce drugs?
1) The gene for the protein is isolated using enzymes called restriction enzymes
2) The gene is copied using PCR
3) Copies are inserted into plasmids
4) The plasmids are transferred into microorganisms
5) The modified microorganisms are grown in large containers so that they divide and produce lots of the useful protein, from the inserted gene
6) The protein can be purified and used as a drug
How are the plants modified to produce drugs?
1) The gene for the protein is inserted into a bacterium
2) The bacterium infects a plant cell
3) The bacterium inserts the gene into the plant cell DNA - the plant cell is now genetically modified
4) The plant cell is grown into an adult plant - the whole plant contains a copy of the gene in every cell
5) The protein produced from the gene can be purified from the plant tissues, or the protein could be delivered by eating the plant
How are animals modified to produce drugs?
1) The gene for the protein is injected into the nucleus of a fertilised animal egg cell
2) The egg cell is then implanted into an adult animal - it grows into a whole animal the contains a copy of the gene in every cell
3) The protein produced from the gene is normally purified from the milk of the animal
Where else are GMOs used?
In agriculture and the food industry
How are they used in the agricultural industry?
They can be used to create genes for herbicide resistance which are inserted into agricultural crops. herbicides can then be applied which will kill weeds but not the herbicide-resistant crops - the genetically modified crop will thrive without the weeds and this results in a high yield
What are the benefits of using GMOs?
1) Crops can be modified to have pest resistance, so that fewer pesticides are needed. This reduces costs and reduces Andy environmental problems associated with using pesticides.
2) Industrial processes often use enzymes. These enzymes can be produced from genetically modified organisms in large quantities for less money, reducing costs.
What are the risks of using GMOs?
1) Some people are concerned about the transmission of genetic material.
2) Some people are worried about the long-term impacts of using GMOs. There may be unforeseen consequences.
3) Some people think it’s wrong to genetically modify animals purely for human benefit.
