Genetic engineering 4.6.2.4

Question 1

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

Modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give it a desired characteristic

Question 2

How is insulin made?

Answer 2

• We identify the insulin gene in a piece if DNA from a human.
• We can then “cut it out” using enzymes.
• We can then stick in the gene from the human cell using more enzymes.
• After this, we insert the plasmid back into the bacterial cell.
• The bacteria will now divide and produce clones of itself using asexual reproduction
• All the cells produce insulin

Question 3

How do you genetically modify crops and what are the result of doing so?

Answer 3

• At an early stage transfer useful genes to crops
• Called GM crops
• Might be resistant to herbicides or insect attack
• Meaning higher yield

Question 4

What are some benefits of GM crops?

Answer 4

• faster and more efficient than selective breeding
• herbicide resistance in plants mean less herbicides used as weeds are quickly and selectively killed
• improve crop yield and quality-may help reduce world hunger

Question 5

What are some drawbacks to GM crops?

Answer 5

• can be harmful - toxins from crops have been detected in some people’s blood
• GM crops can cause allergic reactions in people
• unethical, GM crops are often more expensive so some people may not be able to afford it.