Biotechnologies

Question 1

Cloning

Answer 1

Process of creating a genetically identical copy of a gene, cell or organism

Question 2

Stem Cell Therapy

Answer 2

The use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition

Question 3

Genetic Engineering

Answer 3

The direct manipulation of an organism’s genetic material to produce GMOs

Question 4

Embryonic Stem Cells

Answer 4

An undifferentiated cell taken from an early embryo that has potential to give rise to all cell types

Question 5

Adult Stem Cells

Answer 5

Stem cells found in the body that can differentiate and form limited number of cells

Question 6

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Answer 6

Somatic cell that is genetically programmed to become an embryonic stem cell

Question 7

Reproductive Cloning

Answer 7

The process of creating a genetically identical organism. An organism is duplicated through SCNT

Question 8

Therapeutic Cloning

Answer 8

The process of using cloning technology to produce embryonic stem cells for medical purposes. Produces cells that can be used to treat diseases

Question 9

Compare and contrast reproductive and therapeutic cloning

Answer 9

Reproductive cloning makes copies of whole organisms, while therapeutic cloning creates cells or tissues for medical use.

Question 10

Outline the process of using plasmid vectors in protein production (i.e. insulin) as an example of genetic engineering

Answer 10

In genetic engineering, plasmid vectors are often used to express a protein of interest in a cell

Plasmids that are used experimentally for these purposes are called vectors.

Insulin gene is identified and isolated. Plasmid vector is prepared.
Insulin gene is inserted into the plasmid, creating a recombinant plasmid.

Question 11

Outline how clones are made according to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)

Answer 11

1. Take an unfertilized egg cell from the desired species and remove its nucleus, which contains DNA.
2. Take a somatic cell from the organism you want to clone.
3. Place the removed somatic cell’s nucleus into the empty egg cell. The egg cell now contains the genetic material of the organism you want to clone.
4. Implanted into the uterus OR becomes a source of embryonic stem cells

Question 12

Explain the implications of medical advancements

Answer 12

These technologies have the potential to advance medical treatments and therapies for a wide range of diseases and injuries.

Question 13

Explain the implications of ethical considerations

Answer 13

The use of stem cells, cloning, and genetic engineering raises ethical questions related to the used of human embryos, altering genetic makeup, and potential misuse

Question 14

Explain the implications of agriculture and food production

Answer 14

Genetic engineering in agriculture has created genetically modified crops with improved traits, but there are worries about their impact on the environment and potential health risks.

Question 15

Explain the implications of environmental impact

Answer 15

Biotechnologies can have positive and negative enviornmental effects, such as biofuels and bioremediation, but also unintended consequences from the release of genetically modified organisms

Question 16

Explain the implications of economic considerations

Answer 16

Biotechnologies can drive economic growth, create new industries, and job opportunities, but accessibility and affordability of advanced therapies may be a concern

Question 17

Explain the implications of social and cultural impacts

Answer 17

Biotechnologies disrupt social and cultural norms, particularly in areas concerning reproduction, identity, and views on natural versus artificial aspects.