M6 Subtopic 3

Question 1

process by which scientists alter the genetic material of an organism by adding, deleting, or modifying specific genes to produce desired traits

Answer 1

Genetic Engineering

Question 2

technology involves using enzymes and various laboratory techniques to manipulate and isolate DNA segments of interest

Answer 2

Recombinant DNA

Question 3

Important figures in the Birth of Molecular Cloning

Answer 3

Paul Berg
Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer

Question 4

Who created the first recombinant DNA molecule?

Answer 4

Paul Berg

Question 5

Who inserted recombinant plasmid into bacteria, proving foreign DNA can be expressed in living organisms?

Answer 5

Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer

Question 6

Scientists, ethicists, and policymakers discuss the risks and ethical implications of genetic engineering.

Answer 6

Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA (1975)

Question 7

First Application (1982): Approval of human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria.

Answer 7

Commercialization and Impact (1980s - present)

Question 8

Process of Genetic Engineering

Answer 8

Gene Identification and Isolation
Gene Cloning
Gene Insertion
Expression and Testing

Question 9

Scientists first identify the gene of interest, which could be responsible for a specific trait or function. This gene is then isolated from the DNA of the source organism.

Answer 9

Gene Identification and Isolation

Question 10

The isolated gene is inserted into a vector, such as a plasmid, which is a small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently within a host cell. This vector carrying the gene is then introduced into a bacterial cell, where it is copied, multiple times.

Answer 10

Gene Cloning

Question 11

The cloned gene is then inserted into the genome of the target organism using techniques such as microinjection, gene gun, or CRISPR-Cas9. This process integrates the gene into the organism’s DNA, allowing it to express the new trait.

Answer 11

Gene Insertion

Question 12

The genetically modified organism (GMO) is grown and tested to ensure that the new gene is expressed correctly and that the desired trait is present

Answer 12

Expression and Testing

Question 13

involves combining DNA from two different sources to create..?

Answer 13

Recombinant DNA

Question 14

A powerful and precise tool that allows scientists to edit specific genes within an organism’s genome. It uses a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to the target DNA sequence, where it makes a cut, allowing for the addition, deletion, or alteration of genetic material.

Answer 14

CRISPR-Cas9

Question 15

techniques, such as RNA interference (RNAi), are used to reduce or eliminate the expression of specific genes.

Answer 15

Gene Silencing/RNA interference

Question 16

Benefits of GMOs

Answer 16

Agricultural
Medical
Environmental

Question 17

Risks and Ethical Considerations of GMOs

Answer 17

Potential Health Risks
Environmental Risks
Ethical/Social Concerns

Question 18

Two Potential Health Risks

Answer 18

Allergenicity
Gene Transfer

Question 19

There is concern that introducing new genes into crops could create new allergens or increase the levels of existing allergens, posing health risks to consumers

Answer 19

Allergencity

Question 20

The possibility of genes from GMOs transferring to non- target organisms, including humans, raises concerns about unforeseen health impacts

Answer 20

Gene Transfer

Question 21

Two Environmental Risks

Answer 21

Biodiversity Loss
Resistance Development

Question 22

The widespread use of GMOs could lead to a reduction in biodiversity, particularly if genetically modified crops outcompete wild relatives or if there is gene flow between GMOs and wild species

Answer 22

Biodiversity Loss

Question 23

Pests and weeds may evolve resistance to the traits engineered into GMOs, leading to the potential for superweeds or superbugs that are difficult to control

Answer 23

Resistance Development

Question 24

Two Ethical and Social Concerns

Answer 24

Corporate Control
Labelling and Consumer Choice

Question 25

The dominance of a few large corporations in the GMO industry raises concerns about the control of the global food supply and the impact on small-scale farmers.

Answer 25

Corporate Control

Question 26

The debate over whether GMOs should be labeled highlights issues of consumer rights and informed choice, with some advocating for transparency and others arguing that it could unfairly stigmatize GMOs.

Answer 26

Labeling and Consumer Choice