Key Area 8: Ethical Considerations When Using Microorganisms

Question 1

Describe the ethics of using microorganisms

Answer 1

• pharmaceutical companies and scientists keep possible advances to themselves rather than sharing information
• usually only develop drugs that make more money (common conditions)

Question 2

Describe the regulations of using microorganisms

Answer 2

• companies must obtain a license before culturing microbes

- must be sterile, fit for purpose, safe for manufacturers and safe for consumers with little side effects (and purity)

Question 3

Describe the risk assessment associated with microorganisms

Answer 3

• a document that assessed the risks when using microbes
• identifies the potentials hazards
• identifies how to minimise risks

Question 4

Describe the potential risks when using microorganisms

Answer 4

• microorganisms may harm the environment, be pathogenic, cause allergic and contaminate wild types {this contamination can be prevented by turning on a gene that makes the organism unable to survive in the wild}
• staff need to wear protective clothing and follow safety procedures