STS Lesson 6

Question 1

Genetically modified corn that is resistant to the destructive Asian corn borer. ​

Answer 1

BT Corn
Modified with the gene of Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that produces proteins which is toxic to corn borers

Question 2

This is the term used for an organism created through genetic engineering.

Answer 2

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

WHO defines GMO as an “organism, either plant or animal or microorganism in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or recombination.”​

Question 2

Who coined the term “genetic engineering”

Answer 2

Jack Williamson, author of the science fiction novel Dragon’s Island

Question 2

This organism is resistant to the ringspot virus

Answer 2

GM papaya or rainbow papaya​
The protein of PRSV was introduced to the papaya plant through plant tissue which is turned out to be resistant to the virus itself.​

The effect was like the vaccines humans have against measles or influenza virus.​

Question 2

This organism was genetically modified to tolerate herbicide

Answer 2

Roundup ready soybean​

Question 2

This is a herbicide for weeds, was introduced to soybeans making it tolerant to the herbicide itself.​

Answer 2

Glyphosate

Question 2

This plant was fortified with minerals

Answer 2

Golden Rice​
Beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, was introduced through biosynthesis of genes to the rice, making the rice grains fortified with Vitamin A.​

Question 2

This plant was genetically modified to have a different color and extended vase life

Answer 2

Blue Roses​

The so-called “blue” roses, which are lilac or purple, contained cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, together with large amounts of flavanols. ​

The introduction of the flavonoid 31,51- hydroxylase gene diverts the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway toward the production of delphinidin glucosides and the flower color to blue.​

Question 2

This plant was genetically modified to resist natural discoloration

Answer 2

Arctic Apple​

The apple variety was genetically modified to suppress the browning of the apple due to superficial damage.​

Question 2

This organism was genetically modified with an increased growth rate

Answer 2

Aqua Advantage salmon​

A gene from an ocean pout, an eel- like fish was introduced to Pacific Chinook Salmon, making the salmon grow faster than its formal rate.​

Question 2

This plant was genetically modified to produce more paper

Answer 2

Poplar trees​

Inserting genes that codes for ferulic acid in young poplar trees to modify the lignin structure, making it easier to breakdown.​

Question 2

This plant was genetically modified to produce more pharmaceutical products

Answer 2

Periwinkle plants​

Bacteria genes were added to the periwinkle plant to enhance the production of vinblastine, an alkaloid usually added to drugs for cancer treatments like Hodgkin’s lymphoma.​

Question 2

This plant was genetically modified to assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites

Answer 2

Shrub tobacco​

Nicotiana glauca, genetically modified with phytochelatin tapPCII, is used for bioremediation. ​

It shows high level accumulation of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel and boron and produces high biomass.

Question 3

Who was the Chinese Scientist that announced he genetically engineered twins?

Answer 3

He Jiankui announced that he had used CRISPR-Cas9, a powerful gene-editing tool, to alter the genomes of twin girls, later known as CRISPR babies.

Introduced a mutation in the CCR5 gene, which theoretically could make the twins resistant to HIV
He Jiankui was later sentenced to prison in China for conducting illegal medical practices