Genetic modification Flashcards
What is genetic modification?
Genetic modification is a process where an organism’s DNA is altered by inserting or removing specific genes to achieve desired traits.
What is the first step in making a GM organism?
The first step is to cut out the useful gene using restriction enzymes.
What is done after the gene is cut out?
The plasmid is also cut using the same restriction enzymes.
What do complementary sticky ends do?
Complementary sticky ends are created by the restriction enzymes allowing the gene and plasmid to bond.
How is the gene joined with the plasmid?
The gene is joined with the plasmid using the enzyme DNA ligase.
What is recombinant DNA?
Recombinant DNA is the new DNA formed when the gene of interest is inserted into the plasmid.
How is the recombinant plasmid used?
The recombinant plasmid is taken up by bacteria which will then express the gene and produce the protein it codes for.
What is an example of genetic modification?
Insulin is an example of genetic modification where the insulin gene is inserted into bacteria to produce large amounts of insulin for diabetes treatment.
How is insulin made using genetic modification?
The insulin gene is removed from human DNA using restriction enzymes then inserted into bacteria via a plasmid and the bacteria produce insulin.
What happens after the recombinant plasmid is created?
The recombinant plasmid is taken up by bacteria which are then grown in large fermenters to produce insulin.
What is the advantage of genetically modified crops?
Genetically modified crops can have traits such as resistance to insects herbicide resistance increased yield and higher nutritional content.
What is golden rice?
Golden rice is a genetically modified strain of rice that contains the beta-carotene gene which provides increased nutritional value by synthesizing vitamin A.
What is the purpose of the beta-carotene gene in golden rice?
The beta-carotene gene helps produce vitamin A which is essential for healthy vision.
What are the ethical concerns of GMOs?
Ethical concerns include potential unknown health risks gene flow to other plants reduced biodiversity religious objections and the cost of GM seeds for farmers in developing countries.
What is gene flow?
Gene flow is the unintended transfer of genes from one plant to another often through cross-pollination.
How can GM crops reduce biodiversity?
GM crops that release insecticides can harm insect populations which may reduce biodiversity.
What are some religious objections to GMOs?
Some people argue that humans do not have the right to create new lifeforms through genetic modification.
Why might GM crop seeds be an issue for farmers in developing countries?
The seeds for GM crops are often patented which can make them too expensive for farmers in developing countries.
