New Genes For Old Flashcards
What is interbreeding?
When two closely related individuals mate, it can cause health problems within the species
Interbreeding can reduce the variety of alleles in the population, what can this lead to?
- an increased of harmful recessive characteristics showing up in offspring
- a reduction in variation, so the populations cannot adapt to change as easily
What is an advantage of genetic engineering?
The organism with desired features can be produced very quickly
What is a risk of genetic engineering?
Inserted genes may have unexpected harmful side effects
What is an example of genetic engineering to do with rice?
•rice that contains beta-carotene has been made by inserting genes that control beta-carotene production from carrots. Humans can then convert the beta-carotene from rice into vitamin A. This is important because in some parts of the world, people rely on rice, which normally has very little vitamin A
What is an example of genetic engineering to do with bacteria?
Genetically engineered bacteria has been made that can produce human insulin
What is an example of genetic engineering to do with crops?
Crop plants have been made that are resistant to herbicides, frost damage or disease
What are the ethical issues involved in genetic engineering?
- some people are worried about long-term side effects, eg. That genetically engineered plants or animals will disturb the natural ecosystems
- other people think that is morally wrong, whatever the intended benefits
What is the first step to genetic engineering?
The desired characteristics are selected
What is the second step to genetic engineering?
The genes responsible are indentified and removed (isolation)
What is the third step to genetic engineering?
The genes are inserted into other organisms
What is the fourth step to genetic engineering?
The organisms are allowed to reproduce (replication)
What is gene therapy?
The process of using genetic engineering to change a persons genes and cure disorders
What could gene therapy involve and why may this be more controversial?
It could involve body cells or gametes, it is more controversial as it is sometimes difficult to decide which genes parents are allowed to change as this may lead to ‘designer babies’
What is a possible problem with selective breeding programmes?
They may lead to interbreeding
