Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Briefly describe genetic engineering

Answer 1

Using enzymes to cut a ‘useful’ gene from one organism and insert it into the DNA of another

Question 2

Describe the steps to genetic engineering

Answer 2

1. A useful gene is ‘cut’ from one organism’s chromosome using enzymes
2. Enzymes are then used to cut into the chromosome of another organism (which is in its early stages of development) and then to insert the useful gene (different enzymes used for each)
3. The organism then grows and the useful gene multiplies with the orgnaism’s cells

Question 3

Give an example of genetic engineering

Answer 3

The human insulin gene being inserted into bacteria to produce human insulin.

The insulin produced by these bacteria is then purified and used by people with diabetes

Question 4

Give 2 examples of genetically engineered plants and animals

Answer 4

1. GM crops with virus, insect, or pesticide resistant genes
2. Sheep with substances like drugs produced in their milk to treat human diseases

Question 5

Define the potentially beneficial ‘gene therapy’

Answer 5

Trying to treat genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis by inserting working genes into sufferers

Question 6

Genetic engineering is an exciting new area of science with the ____ for ____ many of our ____

Answer 6

Genetic engineering is an exciting new area of science with the potential for solving many of our problems

Question 7

Name a concern with genetic engineering

Answer 7

The long-term effects:

That changing a person’s genes might accidentally create unplanned problmes, which could be passed on to future generations

Question 8

Name 3 pros of GM crops

Answer 8

1. They can increase the yield of a crop, making more food
2. GM crops can be engineered to provide th nutrients people in developing contries are missing from their diets
3. GM crops are already being grown outside of the UK without any problems

Question 9

Name an example of a GM crop being tested for use to provide missing nutrients

Answer 9

Golden rice

Contains beta-carotene - lack of this substance causes blindness

Question 10

Name cons of GM crops

Answer 10

1. Might affect the number of weeds and flowers (and so the populations of insects) living in and around hte crops - reducing farmland biodiversity
2. Worries that they might cause allergies
3. Transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment e.g. a risk of a ‘superweed’ with resistance to herbicides

Question 11

Why is the worry about GM crops causing allergies not a big problem?

Answer 11

Probably no more risk for this than eating usual foods

Question 12

Why can’t scientists decide whether we use GM crops or not?

Answer 12

Because it is the Government’s decision to weigh up the pros and cons

Scientists can only try to give the government all the information they need to make the decision