Application of reproduction and genetics Flashcards
What is the human genome project
A project aiming to map the entire human genome to establish the location of genes and how they interact
How has gene editing been used in mosquitos
Mosquitos have been edited so they cannot carry plasmodium and cause malaria
Name methods of genetic screening
Chorionic villus sampling
Amniocentesis
Blood tests
Ethical arguments for genetic engineering in humans
Reduce frequency of disease
Ethical arguments against genetic engineering in humans
Could be exploited for cosmetic reasons
High mortality rate
Playing God
Expensive - makes it elitest
Ethical arguments for pre-natal screening
Reduce disease
Reduce treatment costs for disease sufferers
Ethical arguments against pre-natal screening
Ownership of genetic data debate
Social stigmatism
Cost
Disease is a density dependant population control mechanism
Name some uses for PCR
HIV tests
Researching evolutionary relationships
Genetic testing
tissue typing for organ transplants
How is genetic engineering performed
A restriction endonuclease enzyme cuts the DNA leaving behind sticky ends. New DNA is attached to the sticky ends using DNA ligase enzymes
How can genetic engineering be performed more efficiently
Using mRNA and reverse transcriptase so it doesn’t use introns
Advantages of GM crops
Saves money by increasing yield
Improved shelf life/nutritional value
More tolerant crops
Increased growth rate
Disadvantages of GM crops
Risk of cross pollination with non-GM plants
No long-term safety trials
‘Superweeds’ and ‘superpests’
Its possible to select plants with beneficial characteristics to breed without GM
How does cell culture
Inducing living cells to grow on a synthetic framework by isolating them and allowing them to grow in aa controlled medium
What is cell culture used for
To make skin grafts, tissues and organs
What are the three types of stem cells and what can they form
Totipotent (embryonic) - any cell
Pluripotent (embryonic) - most cells
Unipotent (adult) - one type of cell
