Biotechnology AT1

Question 1

Human Genome Project

Answer 1

Was an international research effort that aimed to map and sequence the entire human genome and all its genes
Pros:
Allows for personalised medicine and tailored treatments
Increases our understanding of human biology and evolution
Improves our ability to predict and prevent certain diseases
Cons:
Raises ethical concerns about genetic discrimination and eugenics
Use for non-medical purposes
Raises concerns about privacy and confidentiality

Question 2

Transgenics

Answer 2

Refers to the process of introducing genes from one organism into another, through process of splicing DNA into the targeted organism
Pros:
Can improve crop yields and reduce pesticide use
Enables creation of crops with desirable traits
Increases food security
Cons:
May have unintended effects on the environment and other organisms (including humans)
Raises ethical concerns about the patenting of life
May lead to reduce biodiversity leading to GMO outcompetition

Question 3

Genetic screening & testing

Answer 3

Unique gene probes that bind to specific alleles indicating risk of genetic diseases. Genetic screening is collective basis while Genetic testing is on individuals
Pros:
Allows for early detection and treatment of genetic diseases
Enables individuals to make informed decisions
Improves our understanding of disease genetics and treatments
Cons:
Ethical concerns about sharing of information with 3rd parties
Can result in anxiety for those who receive undesirable results
May result in discrimination in employment and insurance

Question 4

Stem cells

Answer 4

Type of undifferentiated cell that has the unique ability to develop into many different types of specialised cells in the body, forming new treatments for medical conditions
Pros:
Have the potential to regenerate damaged or diseased tissue such as in the heart
Enables researchs to study mechanisms of disease and test treatments
Provides a means for personalised therapies
Cons:
Raises ethical concerns about the use of embryonic cells from early human life
May result in the formation of tumors or other abnormal cell growth
Could open the door to oteher practices that can be seen as ethically questionable

Question 5

2 types of stem cells

Answer 5

2 types of stem cells, one from dead children (pluripotent) and one from adults (multipotent)

Question 6

Canola

Answer 6

Canola, originally from rapeseed bred to not have eruric acid from 54% to 2% and is the 3rd most produced vegetable oil

Question 7

Human insulin bacterial production

Answer 7

Human insulin gene is inserted into bacteria to produce insulin which is used to treat diabetes.

Question 8

Golden rice

Answer 8

Golden rice transgenics with daffodils to make beta-carotene vitamin A

Question 9

Gene probe

Answer 9

short sections of nucleotides known to be complementary to the genetic sequence of interest

Question 10

Biosteel

Answer 10

Biosteel made from a goat who was modified with golden orb weaver dna’s milk