new genes for old Flashcards
what is interbreeding?
where two closely related individuals mate
what is wrong with interbreeding?
it can cause health problems with the species
name an animal that has a problem with interbreeding?
dogs
name a problem linked with selective breeding?
it may lead to interbreeding
what is another problem with interbreeding?
it can reduce the variety of alleles in the population (the gene pool)
what can this lead to?
an increased risk of harmful recessive characteristics showing up in offspring
or a reduction in variation, so that populations cannot adapt to change easily
name an advantage of genetic engineering?
organisms with desired features can be produced very easily
name a disadvantage connected with genetic engineering?
there is a risk that the inserted genes may have unexpected harmful side effects
explain how an organism being genetically engineered can prevent vitamin A shortage?
rice that contains beta-carotene has been made by inserting the genes that control beta-carotene production from carrots. We can then convert it from rice into vitamin A
give 2 example of an organism that has been genetically engineered?
bacteria that produce human insulin
crop plants that have been made resistant to herbicides, frost damage or disease
name some ethical issues that are involved with genetic engineering?
some are worried about long term side affects e.g. that genetically engineered plants or animals will disturb natural ecosystems
name the 4 steps of genetic engineering?
the desired characteristics are selected
the genes responsible are identified and removed
the genes are inserted into other organisms
the organisms are allowed to reproduce
what is gene therapy?
the process of using genetic engineering to change a persons genes and cure certain disorders
