Topic 4 - Advantages And Disadvantages Of GM Organisms

Question 1

What are genetically modified crops engineered to be resistant to?

Answer 1

Insects and herbicides

Question 2

What is the result of genetically modified crops being resistant to insects and herbicides?

Answer 2

Increased yields as less crops will die

Question 3

What is gene therapy?

Answer 3

Transferring normal genes into patients to produce correct proteins

Question 4

What are two perceived benefits of genetic engineering in medicine?

Answer 4

• Mass production of hormones
• Potential to cure inherited disorders

Question 5

What is a potential risk of genetically modified crops on wild flowers?

Answer 5

They might affect insects and lead to environmental changes

Question 6

What could happen if GM crops spread their infertile genes to wild plants?

Answer 6

Infertility in other species, affecting the environment

Question 7

What is a consequence of using herbicides and pesticides in agriculture?

Answer 7

Reduction of biodiversity

Question 8

Name one way genetic engineering can improve agricultural yields.

Answer 8

• Improving growth rates
• Allowing crops to grow in different conditions
• Introducing modifications for self-pesticide production

Question 9

What can crops with extra vitamins help with?

Answer 9

Producing vitamins in areas where they are difficult to obtain

Question 10

What is a concern regarding the effects of GM crops on health?

Answer 10

Lack of complete understanding of effects on human health

Question 11

How can greater yields from GM crops help society?

Answer 11

Help solve world hunger due to population growth

Question 12

What ethical concern arises from genetic engineering in agriculture?

Answer 12

Potential for genetic engineering in humans and designer babies

Question 13

What selection pressure do GM crops pose?

Answer 13

Increased resistance in other species, creating super weeds and pests

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Genetic modification in medicine may be possible to use to cure _______.

Answer 14

Inherited disorders

Question 15

What is Bacillus thuringiensis?

Answer 15

A bacteria that produces toxins that kill insect larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis is commonly used in agricultural biotechnology.

Question 16

How do Bt crops increase insect resistance?

Answer 16

By using genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that produce toxins

These genes are inserted into the crops through genetic engineering.

Question 17

What process is used to cut out genes from Bacillus thuringiensis?

Answer 17

Restriction enzymes

Restriction enzymes are tools in molecular biology that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Question 18

What is ligase used for in the creation of Bt crops?

Answer 18

To re-insert cut genes into the crop’s DNA

Ligase is an enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands.

Question 19

What is the effect of Bt crops on insect populations?

Answer 19

They kill insects that consume the crop

This leads to reduced crop damage and increased yields.

Question 20

What are the potential benefits of Bt crops?

Answer 20

Increased crop yield and profits

Higher yields can lead to better economic outcomes for farmers.

Question 21

What concerns exist regarding the use of Bt crops?

Answer 21

Unknown effects on human health and loss of biodiversity

The long-term impacts on ecosystems and human health are still being studied.

Question 22

True or False: The toxin produced by Bt crops is harmless to humans.

Answer 22

False

The safety of the toxin for human health is still uncertain.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Bt crops can lead to a loss of _______ in the ecosystem.

Answer 23

biodiversity

The reduction in insect populations can disrupt food chains and ecological balance.