Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What does genetic engineering use to cut and paste genes?

Answer 1

Enzymes

Question 2

What is the ‘basic idea’ of genetic engineering?

Answer 2

To copy a USEFUL GENE from one organism’s chromosomes into the cells of another

Question 3

What are the 2 steps to cutting and copying a gene?

Answer 3

1. A useful gene is ‘cut’ from one organism’s chromosome using ENZYMES
2. Enzymes are then used to CUT another organism’s chromosome and then to INSERT the useful gene

Question 4

Name a use of genetic engineering

Answer 4

The human insulin gene can be inserted into BACTERIA to produce HUMAN INSULIN for people with DIABETES

Question 5

Describe the 4 steps of producing human insulin

Answer 5

1. Enzymes cut the insulin gene out of the human chromosome
2. Enzymes used to cut the DNA of bacteria, and then the insulin gene inserted into the DNA
3. The bacteria then grown like mad
4. The insulin is produced and PURIFIED and used by people with DIABETES

Question 6

What can the same method be used to do?

Answer 6

Transfer useful genes into ANIMALS and PLANTS at the VERY EARLY STAGES of their development (i.e. shortly after FERTILISATION). This means they’ll develop USEFUL CHARACTERISTICS

Question 7

Name 2 examples of genetic engineering in plants and animals

Answer 7

1. GM crops

2. Sheep

Question 8

How have GM crops been genetically modified?

Answer 8

To make them resistant to VIRUSES, INSECTS, or HERBICIDES

Question 9

How have certain sheep been genetically engineered? Why?

Answer 9

To produce substances, like DRUGS, in their MILK that can be used to treat HUMAN DISEASES

Question 10

Describe and give an example of ‘gene therapy’

Answer 10

1. Scientists trying to treat genetic disorders by inserting WORKING GENES into sufferers
2. Treating cystic fibrosis

Question 11

Why could genetic engineering be described as a good thing? (2)

Answer 11

1. It’s an exciting and new area of science

2. Has the POTENTIAL for SOLVING many of our problems (e.g. treat diseases, more efficient food production etc)

Question 12

Why is genetic engineering a controversial topic?

Answer 12

1. Worries about the LONG TERM EFFECTS

That changing a person’s genes might ACCIDENTALLY create unplanned PROBLEMS, which could get passed onto FUTURE GENERATIONS

Question 13

What are 3 pros of GM crops?

Answer 13

1. Can INCREASE the YIELD of a crop - making more food
2. Engineering food to contain NUTRIENTS that are MISSING from the diets of people in developing countries
3. Already being grown elsewhere in the world (not UK) often WITHOUT any PROBLEMS

Question 14

Name an example of a GM crop being tested containing nutrients and what it’s for

Answer 14

‘Golden Rice’

Contains beta-carotene - lack of this substance causes BLINDNESS

Question 15

What are 3 cons of GM crops?

Answer 15

1. Could effect number of WEEDS and FLOWERS (and so population of INSECTS) that live in and around the crops - reducing farmland BIODIVERSITY
2. Could not be SAFE. Possible risk of developing ALLERGIES - though no more so than for eating usual foods
3. Transplanted genes may get out into NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

Question 16

Give an example of a transplanted gene that could get out into the natural environment

Answer 16

The HERBICIDE RESISTANT gene may be picked up be weeds, creating a new ‘SUPERWEED’ variety

Question 17

At the end of the day, it’s down to the ____ to weigh up all the ____ for the pros and cons before ____ ____ ____ on how this scientific knowledge is ____ .

Answer 17

At the end of the day, it’s down to the GOVERNMENT to weigh up all the EVIDENCE for the pros and cons before MAKE A DECISION on how this scientific knowledge is USED .

Question 18

All that scientists can do is make sure the Government has all the ____ that it needs to ____ ____ ____ of what to do with their knowledge of GM crops

Answer 18

All that scientists can do is make sure the Government has all the INFORMATION that it needs to MAKE THE DECISION of what to do with their knowledge of GM crops