M6S3: Perpetuation of Life Genetic Engineering

Question 1

A 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

This technology allows for precise manipulation of DNA, enabling the creation of organisms with new or enhanced characteristics

Answer 2

Genetic Engineering

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Recombinant DNA Technology

Question 4

James Watson and Francis Crick, with contributions from Rosalind Franklin, discover the double helix structure of DNA

Answer 4

Discovery of DNA Structure (1953)

Question 5

• Paul Berg creates the first recombinant DNA molecule
• Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer insert recombinant plasmid into bacteria, proving foreign DNA can be expressed in living organisms

Answer 5

Birth of Molecular Cloning (1972 - 1973)

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

Commercialization and Impact (1980s-Present)

• Approval of human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria

Answer 7

First Application (1982)

Question 8

Commercialization and Impact (1980s-Present)

• Development of GM crops (e.g., herbicide-resistant soybeans, pest-resistant corn) increases food security

Answer 8

Agriculture

Question 9

Commercialization and Impact (1980s-Present)

• Production of biopharmaceuticals (e.g., insulin, growth hormones) and advancements in gene therapy

Answer 9

Medicine

Question 10

What is an example of a biopharmaceutical produced using genetic engineering?

Answer 10

Insulin, growth hormones

Question 11

Agriculture: Enhanced crop yields, reduced chemical use, improved food security

Medicine: Development of treatments, biopharmaceuticals, gene therapy

Industrial Biotechnology: Production of enzymes, biofuels, and chemicals using GMOs.

Impact: Contributions to sustainability and health

Answer 11

Impact on Biotechnology

Question 12

Concerns: Potential risks to health and environment, ethical implications

Regulation: Establishment of frameworks to ensure safe use of genetic engineering

Impact: Ongoing discussions about the responsible use of biotechnology

Answer 12

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

Question 13

The Process of Genetic Engineering

• Scientists first identify the gene of interest, which could be responsible for a specific trait or function

Answer 13

Gene Identification and Isolation

Question 14

The Process of Genetic Engineering

• 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

Answer 14

Gene Cloning

Question 15

The Process of Genetic Engineering

• the cloned gene is then inserted into the genome of the target organism using techniques such as microinjection, gene gun, or CRISPR-Cas9

Answer 15

Gene Insertion

Question 16

The Process of Genetic Engineering

• 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 16

Expression and Testing

Question 17

This technique involves combining DNA from two different sources to create recombinant DNA

Answer 17

Recombinant DNA Technology

Question 18

It is then introduced into an organism, enabling it to produce new proteins or traits

Answer 18

Recombinant DNA

Question 19

A powerful and precise tool that allows scientists to edit specific genes within an organism’s genome

Answer 19

CRISPR - Cas9

Question 20

It is used to reduce or eliminate the expression of specific genes

Answer 20

Gene Silencing (RNAi)

Question 21

Which genetic engineering technique is used to reduce or eliminate the expression of specific genes?

Answer 21

Gene Silencing (RNAi)

Question 22

Technology is commonly used to edit specific genes within an organism’s genome?

Answer 22

CRISPR-Cas9

Question 23

Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

What are the benefits in Agricultural Benefits?

Answer 23

• Increased Crop Yields
• Improved Nutritional Content

Question 24

Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

What are the benefits in Medical Benefits?

Answer 24

• Production of Therapeutic Proteins
• Gene Therapy

Question 25

Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

What are the benefits in Environmental Benefits?

Answer 25

Reduced Chemical Use

Question 26

The copying of a specific gene of interest to produce multiple identical copies

Answer 26

Gene Cloning