Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

The modification of the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics

Question 2

What is a genetically modified organism?

Answer 2

An organism with DNA from a different species

Question 3

Describe the function of a restriction enzyme.

Answer 3

To cut DNA open

Question 4

Describe the function of a ligase enzyme.

Answer 4

To join two pieces of DNA together at their sticky ends

Question 5

What is recombinant DNA?

Answer 5

Two different bits of DNA stuck together

Question 6

Describe the function of a vector.

Answer 6

To transfer DNA into a cell

Question 7

Give two types of vectors.

Answer 7

• Plasmids are small, circular molecules of DNA that can be transferred between bacteria
• Viruses insert DNA into the organisms they infect

Question 8

(Exam-style question)

Outline how a desired gene would be isolated from an organism.

Answer 8

A restriction enzyme would be used to cut the gene out of the organism’s genome

Question 9

(Exam-style question)

Explain how a vector can be used to insert a gene into a bacterial cell.

Answer 9

• The vector is cut using the same restriction enzyme that was used to isolate the desired gene
• The ligase enzyme is used to join the vector DNA and the desired gene together at their sticky ends
• The resulting recombinant DNA containing the desired gene is then inserted into the bacterial cell

Question 10

(Exam-style question)

Explain one advantage of being able to insert the gene for a desired protein into a bacterial cell.

Answer 10

Bacteria can be grown in large numbers so the desired protein can be produced in large quantities

Question 11

(Exam-style question)

Give an example of a beneficial characteristic that could be introduced into a crop by genetic modification.

Answer 11

Any from:

• Pest resistance
• Herbicide resistance
• Additional nutrients
• Improved drought resistance

Question 12

(Exam-style question)

Answer 12

Question 13

Give two reasons why some people may have concerns about the use of genetically modified crops in agriculture.

Answer 13

• Some people worry that if transplanted genes escape into the environment, they may be picked up by other plants, resulting in superweeds
• Some people worry that GM crops could have a negative impact on food chains/human health

Question 14

Describe two concerns associated with genetically engineering animals.

Answer 14

• Some organisms may suffer from health problems later in life as a result of being genetically engineered
• Many embryos may not survive the genetic engineering process

Question 15

Describe some advantages of using genetic engineering in medicine.

Answer 15

• Bacteria have been genetically engineered to produce human insulin
• Researchers have managed to transfer human genes that produce useful proteins into some animals
• Animals may be genetically engineered to produce proteins that can be used in drugs/to treat human diseases