Risks of Gene Technology Flashcards
why are there very strict rules concerning the containment of transgenic microorganisms?
-to prevent their escape into the wild
what are the 5 ways that the risk with GMOs/ GMEs are minimised?
-using purpose built laboratories that have air filters that produce negative pressure
-strict access and cleaning regulations
-special disinfectant procedures
-using bacterial strains that are poorly adapted to survive outside the lab conditions
-using strains that have suicide genes that are activated if temp conditions are not optimum
is there chance that GEMs could survive the preventative measures?
-yes
what are some of the arguments against GM crops?
-they are not natural
-the escape of their seeds could create superweeds
why are the arguments about superweeds disregarded?
-because they can also occur naturally
-the development of superweeds are no more likely to occur in the presence of GM plants
what are the three benefits of GM crops? what is one benefit in terms of the growing population?
-disease resistant
-more nutritious
-can grow in a range of habitats
-allows more food
what are 3 reasons for the world wide food shortage?
-the human population continues to grow out of control
-climate change
-pesticide resistance increasing
at what age does genetic screening occur?
-before birth or after a child is born
what is the use of genetic screening?
-shows if the child may have a disability
what is the name of the disease that all children are genetically screened for in the UK? what causes this disease?
-PKU- phenylketonuria
-recessive inherited condition
-the absence of an enzyme which causes this amino acid to accumulate in the blood
-causes mental handicap
what is PGD stand for and what is it?
-pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
-a screening method at embryo stage for potential parents who are part of these “at risk” groups
what is the risk of gene therapy in terms of introducing donor DNA into a host cells? what was the case study associated with this?
-the donor DNA can disrupt the DNA in the host cell
-French trial for SCID in 2002 resulted in 2/11 babies dying from leukaemia because their DNA was disrupted
what are 2 positives of personalised medicine and what is one negative? what is personalised medicine?
-more effective at targeting the problem
-reduced side effects
-very expensive
-specific drug treatments which are tailored to the genome of the individual
what is the main issue with bio banks?
-data security
what does genetic disposition mean and what is an example of this?
-it is the belief that genes are only a small part of the problem environment also has a critical role
-poor diet, lack of exercise play a major role in the development of CHD compared to genes
