C - Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

Where a scientist changes an organisms genes to alter its characteristics by coping a useful gene from one organisms chromosome into the cells of another

Question 2

Genetic engineering uses _________ to cut and paste genes

Answer 2

Enzymes

Question 3

What is the process of genetic engineering?

Answer 3

A useful gene is ‘cut’ from one organism’s chromosome using enzymes and pasted into another chromosome to improve it in some way

Question 4

Genetic engineering can be used to transfer useful genes into animals when they are in their early stages of development (after fertilisation), when they are babies, when they are adults or when they are elderly…?

Answer 4

Very early stages of development, just after fertilisation and so they’ll develop these characteristics

Question 5

How can Genetically modified crops have their genes modified? Name a couple of examples…

Answer 5

To make them more resistant to viruses, weather, herbicides, juicer, bigger, tastier, durable

Question 6

What is gene therapy?

Answer 6

Where scientists try to treat genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis by inserting working genes into sufferers

Question 7

Why do some people disagree with genetic engineering of crops, animals and humans… name a couple (5)

Answer 7

• GM crops will reduce biodiversity
• They might not be safe- people could develop allergies
• transplanted genes might get into weeds and make them resistant to herbicides
• People might not like the idea of eating GM crops
• Changing a persons genes could accidentally create unplanned problems that get passed onto other generations