Gene technology

Question 1

Screening for genetic disorder procedures

Answer 1

Chronic villus sampling- done at 10-12 weeks by taking a sample of tissue and testing the cells
Amniocentesis- done at 15-16 weeks by taking fluids from around the foetus and testing the cells

Question 2

Pros of screening

Answer 2

Can find out if the baby has a disease
Can start early treatment if baby has a disease

Question 3

Cons of screening

Answer 3

Risk of miscarriage
Results could give a false negative or false positive

Question 4

Genetic engineering

Answer 4

It involves putting a gene from one organism into another. In this way we can make organisms with traits we want relatively quickly (genetically modified organisms)

Question 5

3 I’s of genetic engineering

Answer 5

Identify the gene you want
Isolate the gene (using enzymes)
Insert the gene into a single cell of an organism (using a vector)

Question 6

Pros of GM (genetically modified) crops

Answer 6

Resistance to disease/pest’s so higher yield
Better nutritional content
Resistance to herbicides so less competition for resources

Question 7

Cons of GM crops

Answer 7

Reduction in biodiversity
Lack of research may affect the health after consumption
May affect wild plants making them herbicide resistant

Question 8

What is a Vector

Answer 8

Vector organisms are used to carry genes for desired characteristics into target cell of another organisms