B3g-new Genes For Old Flashcards
What is selective breeding?
- select the ones with the best characteristics
- breed them with eachother
- continue this process over several generations
What are the problems with selective breeding?
Reduces gene pool leading to inbreeding
- harmful recessive characteristics will accumulate
- lack of variation
What is genetic engineering?
Transfer of genes from one organism to another so that it produces useful biological products
What are the advantages of genetic engineering?
You can produce organisms with new and useful features very quickly
What is a disadvantage of genetic engineering?
Inserted genes may have unexpected harmful effects
What are some examples of genetic engineering?
1) taking genes that control beta-carotene production and putting it into rice. Humans convert carotene into vitamin A(solving vitamin A deficiency)
2) gene for human insulin production is put into bacteria. Bacteria produces insulin then it is extracted
3) transferring resistance to disease to useful plants like crops
Describe the stages of genetic engineering
1) select gene responsible for desired c
2) cut from DNA using restriction enzymes and isolate
3) insert genes into other organism (ligase enzymes)
4) organism replicates
What are the ethical issues with genetic engineering?
- wrong to engineer purely for human benefit(animal suffering)
- wont stop at plants and animals, decide characteristics of future children
- evolutionary consequences are unknown
What is gene therapy?
Changing a persons genes in an attempt to cure disorders
What are the 2 types of gene therapy?
- changing genes in body cells
- changing genes in gametes
Why is gene therapy involving gametes controversial?
- unexpected consequences causing a new set of problems inherited by all future generations
- creation of ‘designer babies’
