Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Definition of genetic engineering?

Answer 1

manipulation of a gene

Question 2

GMO stands for?

Answer 2

genetically modified organism

Question 3

Give an example of the cross-species transfer of genes.

Answer 3

human genes can be inserted into bacteria

Question 4

What’s a cloning vector?

Answer 4

a special kind of DNA that can accept foreign DNA and replicate itself and the foreign DNA

Question 5

Name the steps of genetic engineering.

Answer 5

isolation
cutting
ligation
transformation
cloning
expression

Question 6

What is isolation?

Answer 6

removing DNA from a cell

Question 7

What is cutting?

Answer 7

DNA is cut using restriction enzymes

Question 8

What is ligation?

Answer 8

the joining of two sections of DNA to form a single strand

Question 9

What is transformation?

Answer 9

uptake of the recombinant DNA into the cell

Question 10

What is cloning?

Answer 10

identical copies of the successfully transformed bacteria are produced

Question 11

What is expression?

Answer 11

production of protein

Question 12

Definition of plasmid?

Answer 12

rings of DNA in bacteria used as cloning vectors

Question 13

Name and explain 4 substances used in genetic engineering.

Answer 13

source of DNA: the DNA taken from one organism to be placed in another.

cloning vector: special kind of DNA that can accept foreign DNA and replicate itself and the foreign DNA.

restriction enzymes: enzymes that cut DNA at specific places, acting as genetic ‘scissors’.

DNA ligase: an enzyme used to combine the foreign DNA with the plasmid DNA, acts as genetic ‘glue’.

Question 14

What’s recombinant DNA?

Answer 14

the altered DNA

Question 15

Altered DNA is called?

Answer 15

recombinant DNA

Question 16

What’s DNA ligase?

Answer 16

An enzyme used to stick DNA molecules from different sources firmly together

Question 17

Name 3 eg’s of genetic engineering in plants.

Answer 17

• slow ripening
• fruit colour
• rice producing vitamin A

Question 18

Name 3 eg’s of genetic engineering in animals.

Answer 18

• clotting factors
• lactose free milk
• growth hormone

Question 19

Name an eg of genetic engineering in micro-organisms.

Answer 19

• production of human insulin

Question 20

Name 4 ethical concerns related to genetic engineering.

Answer 20

• release of GMO’s into the environment
• use of GMO’s as a food source
• concern that animals will suffer as a result of being genetically modified
• fear that humans may be genetically modified