Genetic Engineering Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
Where the genes from one organism are given to another organism.
Why do we do genetic engineering?
To give the characteristics (features) of one organism to another organism.
How do we remove a gene from the chromosome of an organism?
We use an enzyme to ‘cut’ the gene out.
How do we insert a gene into the chromosome of an organism?
We ‘cut’ a space in the chromosome using an enzyme.
We insert the gene into the chromosome using an enzyme.
Give an example of genetic engineering.
Inserting a human insulin gene into bacteria so that they can make us insulin for diabetics.
What is insulin?
A hormone that allows humans to absorb sugar.
If a human cannot produce insulin properly then we say they have…
diabetes.
When can we insert genes into a plant or animal?
When they are at an early stage of development (embryo)
Crops that have been genetically engineered are sometimes called…
Genetically Modified Crops (GM Crops)
Which genes do we insert into crops to make them have better characteristics?
Disease resistance genes
Insect resistance genes
Herbicide resistance genes
What is a herbicide?
A chemical that kills plants (weed killer)
What are the advantages of genetically modified (GM) crops?
Increased crop yields (more crops)
Crops contain extra nutrients.
What are the disadvantages of genetically modified (GM) crops?
GM crops out-compete nearby plants.
Some people worry that GM crops may not be safe to eat.
