Genetic engineering

Question 1

Basic idea of genetic engineering

Answer 1

transfer gene responsible for desired characteristic from one organisms genome into another organism so that it also has the desired characteristic

Question 2

Steps of genetic engineering 1-3

Answer 2

1) useful gene cut from one organisms genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector

2) vector is usually a virus or a bacterial plasmid depending on the type of organism the gene is being transferred to

3) when vector is introduced to target organism, the useful gene is inserted into its cell

Question 3

How do scientists use genetic engineering ?

Answer 3

Bacteria has been genetically modified to human insulin to treat diabetes

GM crops have had their genes modified to improve size, quality of fruits or make them resistant to disease, insects and herbicides

Sheep have been genetically engineered to produce substancess in their milk to treat human disease

Scientists are researching treatment for inherited diseases caused by faulty genes = called gene therapy

Question 4

What occurs in some cases ??

Answer 4

transfer of gene is carried out when organism receiving the gene is at early stage of development, this means that the organism develops with the characteristic coded for by the gene

Question 5

Pros and cons of genetic engineering

Answer 5

Pros: Exciting area for science, potential for solving many of our problems

Cons: worries about the long term effects of genetic engineering, changing organisms genes may accidently create unplanned problems which could pass on to future generation

Question 6

Pros of GM crops

Answer 6

Pros: characteristics chosen could increase yield -> more food

Gm crops grown already in certain places and often without problems

people in developing nations often lack nutrients in their diet , GM crops can be engineered to provide the nutrients that its missing ( golden rice )

Question 7

Cons of GM crops

Answer 7

growing them may affect the number of wild flowers that live in and around crops - reducing farmland biodiversity

safety - we might not fully understand the effects of eating them on human health

Transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment