Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is the first stage for genetic engineering?

Answer 1

A Gene (e.g. for insulin) is cut out of a human chromosome using enzymes

Question 2

What is the second stage for genetic engineering?

Answer 2

A DNA plasmid is taken out of a bacterium and cut open using enzymes

Question 3

What is the third stage for genetic engineering?

Answer 3

The human insulin gene and the plasmid are mixed together

Question 4

What is the fourth stage for genetic engineering?

Answer 4

The human insulin gene and the plasmid are stuck together to make a new plasmid

Question 5

What is the fifth stage for genetic engineering?

Answer 5

The new plasmid with the human insulin gene is put back into a bacterium. The bacterium has been genetically modified. Now the bacterium will make human insulin.

Question 6

What are the advantages of genetic engineering?

Answer 6

• Making human insulin using GM bacteria is quicker and cheaper than producing it any other way. So more people with diabetes can be treated.
• Golden rice is a GM and plant that contains genes from other plants that increases the production of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene makes vitamin A. It could prevent illness caused by a lack of vitamin A in people that mainly eat rice.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering?

Answer 7

• A few diabetic people react badly to this insulin and needs a different form.
• Golden price seed cost more than normal rice seeds so the poorest people can’t afford to grow it.