B6: Generic Engineering Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
The basic idea is to transfer a gene responsible for a desirable characteristic from one organism’s genome into another organism, so that it also has the desired characteristic.
How does genetic engineering work?
1) useful gene is isolated (cut) from one organism using enzymes & inserted into a vector
2) vector is usually a virus or a bacterial plasmid, depending on what organisms the gene is being transferred to
3) When vector introduced to target organism, the useful gene is inserted into its cells
How is this method used by scientists?
Bacteria have been modified to produce human insulin - diabetes
GM crops altered to improve size and quality of fruit, or to resist disease, insects and herbicides
Sheep GM to produce substances like drugs in their milk to treat human diseases
Research is ongoing for GM inherited diseases caused by faulty genes
When is the transfer of the gene carried our sometimes?
When the receiving organism is at an early stage of development, meaning the organism develops with the characteristic coded for by the gene
Why is genetic engineering a controversial topic?
Has the potential for solving many of our problems, but there are worries about the long term effects of it - that changing an organism’s genes might accidentally create unplanned problems, which could be passed on to future generations.
What are some of the cons of GM crops?
May affect the number of wild flowers - reducing farmland biodiversity
Some are unconvinced that GM crops are safe - we may not fully understand the effects on human health
Concern that transferred genes may get out into the natural environment
What are some pros of GM crops?
Can increase the yield.
Developing nations lack nutrients - easier to get them through GM crops
