Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What genetic material does a bacterium contain?

Answer 1

One chromosome in the form of a complete circle and one ore more small circular plasmids.

Question 2

What are the chromosomes and plasminds within a bacterium made up of?

Answer 2

Many genes.

Question 3

What does each gene in a circular chromosome and plasmid carry?

Answer 3

The genetic information to code for proteins such as an enzyme.

Question 4

Can genetic information in the form of DNA be transferred from one cell to another by natural means?

Answer 4

Yes.

Question 5

Give examples of the natural transfer of DNA across cells.

Answer 5

A copy of bacterial plasmids can be passed from one bacterium to another and the DNA of a virus can be inserted into a host cell that is being attacked.

Question 6

Can DNA be transferred across cells artificially?

Answer 6

Yes.

Question 7

What is the process by which pieces of chromosome containing sections of DNA from one organism such as a human is artificially transferred to another organism such as a bacterium called?

Answer 7

Genetic engineering.

Question 8

What is the organism that has been “reprogrammed” during genetic engineering described as?

Answer 8

A genetically modified (GM) organism.