Recombinant DNA technology Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
Transforming organisms using recombinant DNA technology
What is recombinant DNA technology?
Genes which code for desirable proteins are placed into organisms using in vivo cloning
How do plants become transformed?
The target gene is inserted into the plasmid.
The plasmid is then placed into the bacterium
The bacterium acts as a vector to put the target gene into the plant
What are the two ways which animals become transformed?
Either by embryo or egg
How do animals become transformed by an embryo?
The genes for the desirable protein are added into an early animal embryo. All of the body cells will then have the gene
How do animals become transformed using the egg of a female?
The genes for the desirable protein are added into the egg, so the offspring will then have the gene
Why are promoter regions important?
Promoter regions that are only activated in specific cell types can be used to control which part of an animal’s body cells the protein is produced in
What happens if the protein is produced in the wrong cells?
It could damage the animal
Why is a higher yield and more nutritious produce a benefit of transformed organisms in agriculture?
It can reduce the risk of famine and malnutrition
Why are crops being resistant to pests and droughts a benefit in agriculture?
Fewer pesticides which reduces costs and environmental problems with chemicals
How do transformed organisms benefit industry?
They are often used in enzymes
Produced in large quantities for less money by transforming organisms
How do transformed organisms benefit medicine?
Many drugs and vaccines are produced using transformed organisms
Eg. Human insulin can be cloned from insulin gene rather than obtained from pigs
What are issues with recombinant DNA technology in agriculture?
- Monoculture - farmers only use one type of crop
- Reduces biodiversity which damages the environment
- Possibility of superweeds - weeds resistant to herbicides could lead to uncontrolled spread of recombinant DNA with unknown consequences
What are issues with recombinant DNA technology in industry?
- Without proper labelling, some people think they wont have a choice about whether to consume GE food
- Companies with the technology get bigger and more powerful which may run smaller companies out of business if its harder to compete
What are issues with recombinant DNA technology in medicine?
- Companies who own GE technologies may limit the use of technologies which could save lives
- It is unethical, eg. designer babies
- Creates ownership issues
