Genetic Engerneering

Question 1

Advantages of Bt crops

Answer 1

-less damage to crops
-increased yield
-more profit
-the toxin only affects target insects
-less use of chemical insecticides
-no need to buy chemicals

Question 2

Disadvantages of Bt crops

Answer 2

-insects develop resistance to the toxin
-plants are more expensive to produce initially
-risk of cross fertilisation with wild plants
-detrimental impact on the food web in the area, reducing biodiversity
-reliance on seed companies
-consumer concerns with eating GM crops

Question 3

Producing human insulin

Answer 3

The gene that codes for human insulin is identified in the human DNA. This is removed using a restriction enzyme. The plasmid of a bacterial cell is removed using lysosomes. The plasmid is cut open using the same restriction enzyme, leaving complementary sticky ends. The human gene is inserted into the bacterial plasmid using the enzyme ligase. The recombinant plasmid is returned to the bacterial cell and the bacterial cell multiplies.

Question 4

Transferring a gene from one organism to another- Genetic engineering

Answer 4

Identify the location of the gene we want. Cut the gene out using restriction enzymes leaving sticky ends and unpaired bases and isolate. Use the same restriction enzymes to cut open a bacterial plasmid, leaving it with complementary sticky ends. Insert the gene into the bacterial plasmid using ligase to form a recombinant plasmid. Insert the recombinant plasmid into the bacterial cell which will replicate, allowing cells to develop with the desired characteristic.