Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What are vectors and how are they used

Answer 1

A vector bacterial plasmid or virus

Used to insert genes into cells, bacteria, animals, fungi or plants

Question 2

What are the benefits of herbicide resistant crops

Answer 2

Allow farmers to spray and kill weeds more effectively
Improved resistance to insect attack
Generally produce a higher yield

Question 3

Examples of genetic engineering

Answer 3

Potatoes modified to make more starch and more resistant to pests
Soybeans modified to produce healthier balbace of fatty acids
Rice modified to withstand being covered in water fo4 up to 3 weeks
Gm grasses can break down explosive residue in soil
Gm crops resitsntv to common disease eg mosaic virus and blights