Genetic Engineering Flashcards
Genetic Engineering uses [ ] to cut and paste [ ]
Enzymes
Genes
Describe the process of Genetic Engineering
1) A useful gene is ‘cut’ from 1 organism’s chromosomes using enzymes
2) Enzymes are then used to cut another organism’s chromosomes ad then to insert the useful gene
Describe the process of making bacteria produce human insulin
1) Enzymes cut insulin gene out of human DNA
2) Enzymes cut the DNA of bacteria and insert the human DNA
3) The bacteria are then grown like mad
4) and the insulin produced is purified and used by people with diabetes
The same method can be used to transfer useful [ ] into animals and plants at the [ ]
genes
very early stage of development.
Describe Genetically modified (GM) crops
They have had their genes modified to eg, make them resistant to viruses, insects or herbicides
Describe how sheep have been genetically engineered?
To produce substances, like drugs, in their milk which can be used to treat human diseases
What is gene therapy?
Genetic disorders (like cystic fibrosis) are caused by faulty genes. Scientists are trying to treat these disorders by inserting working genes into sufferers
What are the advantages of genetic engineering? (3)
1) GM crops can increase the yield of a crop, making more food
2) People living in developing nations often lack nutrients in their diets. GM crops could be engineered to contain the nutrient that’s missing
3) GM crops are being grown elsewhere in the world often without any problems
What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering? (3)
1) Some people say that growing GM crops will affect the number of weed and flowers (and so the population of insects) that live around the crops - reducing farmland biodiversity
2) Not everyone thinks that GM crops are safe. People are worried that they might develop allergies to the food
3) A big concern is that transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment
