Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What do we use genetically engineered bacterium for?

Answer 1

To make a number of drugs and hormones used as medicines.

Question 2

How is insulin made using bacteria?

Answer 2

1. Plasmid taken out of bacterium is split open by an enzyme. Insulin gene is also cut out of DNA by an enzyme.
2. Insulin gene inserted into plasmid by another enzyme.
3. Plasmid with insulin gene in it taken up by bacterium.
4. Bacterium multiplies many times.
5. The insulin gene is switched on and the insulin is harvested…

Question 3

What are the benefits of genetic engineering?

Answer 3

It can make the exact proteins we need, in the exact amounts needed in a very pure from. People used to have to use insulin taken from the pancreas of pigs and cattle, now they can use pure human insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria. Used to improve the food value of crops as genetically modified crops usually have a much bigger yield. They can also be modified to produce their own pesticide or are resistant to herbicides used to control weeds.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering?

Answer 4

It is a new science, so no one knows the long term effects. Insects may become pesticide resistant. Some people are concerned about the effect of eating GM food on human health. GM crops are often infertile so farmers in poor countries have to buy new seeds each year. People might want to manipulate the genes of future children - designer babies.