Lesson 10: Genetic Engineering Flashcards

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1
Q

What is genetic engineering?

A
  • Genetic engineering is a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic.
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2
Q

For what 2 purposes have plant crops been genetically engineered?

A
  • To be resistant to diseases.
  • To produce bigger, better fruits.
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3
Q

For what purpose have bacterial cells been genetically engineered?

A

1.) To poduce useful substances (such as human insulin) to treat diabetes.

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4
Q

What are the 4 main steps in the process of genetic engineering?

What is the important note as to WHEN genes should be inserted into cells of animals, plants and micro-organisms?

A

1.) Enzymes are used to isolate the required gene from chromosomes (from an organism.)
2.) This gene is inserted into a vector (usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus.)
3.) The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Genes are transferred to the cells of animals, plants or micro- organisms at an early stage of their development so that they develop with desired characteristics.

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5
Q

What is the name of crops that have had a gene transferred to their cells that was “cut out” from the chromosomes of another organism?

A
  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
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6
Q

What properties do some GM crops have?

A

1.) Ones that are resistant to insect attack/ to herbicides (so farmers can use herbicides to kill weeds without damaging their crops.)
2.) GM crops grow in increased yields in comparison to non-GM crops.

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7
Q

What are the main concerns around GM (genetically modified) crops?

A

1.) The crops may have a negative effect on populations of wild flowers and insects.
2.) The effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored.

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8
Q

What is genetic modificaton being explored for in modern, medical research?

A
  • Genetic modification is being explored to overcome some inherited dissorders (this is known as gene therapy.)
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9
Q

What is the risk of gene therapy (ie. genetic engineering in medicine?)

A
  • Long- term effects aren’t known (modifying a gene, we don’t know the potential effects on other genes.)
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