Genetic Engineering

Question 1

GMOs

Answer 1

genetically modified organisms - an organism that have had its genome altered in some way

Question 2

TGOs

Answer 2

transgenic organisms - organism that has had genes from another species inserted into its genome

Question 3

advantages of viruses as vectors

Answer 3

viruses are well known for their ability to insert dna into a host cell. offer a chance for long-term stabilty, different viruses intergrate their dna into the host in different ways - scientists can control where the new dna is expressed in the host

Question 4

disadvantages of viruses as vectors

Answer 4

size of dna is limited to 8000bps/8kb, intergration of the dna into the host dna can cause unexpected side effects depending on where in the host’s chromosome the dna inserts itself

Question 5

advantages of plasmids as vectors

Answer 5

plasmids are circular lengths of dna that can be up to 1000kbs, they are frequently used, espeically in bacteria, the bacteria may be the final target for the recombinant dna or it can be used as vector to transfer dna to a different host

Question 6

how are transgenic plants produced

Answer 6

a gene of interest is identifed and isolated, the isolated gene is then delivered into the cells of the host, either by direct insertion into the genome or use of a bacterial plasmid, the transformed cell is then grown repeatedly using plant tissue cultures

Question 7

what are some applications of genetically modified plants

Answer 7

extending the shelf life of fresh produce, engineering plants to have pest or herbicide resistance, crop improvement (drought resistant crops or plants with higher protein levels)

Question 8

how have soybeans been genetically modified

Answer 8

the have been modifed to produce more fat and vitamins for use as animal feed

Question 9

how has pawpaw been genetically modified

Answer 9

modified to be resistant to papaya ringspot virus

Question 10

how was golden rice a milestone in genetic engineering

Answer 10

scientists, for the first time, used a new metabolic pathway by splicing nre genes into an organisms dna. scientists switched onn a pathway that enabled the rice to produce and store β-carotene in the rice grain, ratther than just the leaves, meaning people would consume more vitamin a

Question 11

how has bt corn been genetically modified

Answer 11

to contain the gene that produces the Bt protein which is a toxin that kills butterflies and moths but not affect other animals

Question 12

benefits of genetic modification

Answer 12

increase crop yields (more nutrition, longer storage life), decrease use of pesticides, herbicides and animal remedies, drought/salt tolerant crops, improved human health and medicines

Question 13

risks of genetic modification

Answer 13

possible uncontrollable spread of transgenes, GMO’s into environment may be irreversable, animal welfare and ethical issues, pest , insect or microbial resistance,

Question 14

gmos and arent tgos

Answer 14

any organism that has had its has been genetically altered without having species dna inserted into them