Genetic Engineering Flashcards
1
Q
What is genetic engineering
A
Transferring a desired gene from one organism to another
2
Q
Why do we use genetic engineering
A
To spread a desired trait in other organisms for some sort of gain
3
Q
What is the key example for genetic engineering
A
Making bacteria produce insulin
4
Q
Describe using genetic engineering to engineer bacteria to produce insulin
A
- Desired gene is cut out of a chromosome using enzymes (The gene producing insulin in this case)
- The Chromosome of the organism is cut and the gene is then inserted into the space(In this case the bacterium)
- Organism then reproduces with this gene and the offspring will contain these characteristic.
5
Q
What are GM Crops
A
Genetically modified crops
6
Q
What characteristics do GM crops obtain when they become genetically modified
(3 ways)
A
Resistance to
- Viruses
- Insects
- Herbicides
7
Q
What will the new abilities in GM crops do
A
Increase farmers yield
8
Q
What are the 2 drawbacks of genetically modified crops
A
- Less food for the insects
- Genes passed to weeds and other plants
