Variation, Evolution And Genetic Engineering Flashcards
Define the term species?
Group of organisms which are similar in structure that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Define variation?
Differences which occur between individuals within a population of the same species
Name the 2 types of variation?
Genetic and acquired variation
State a reason why we are genetically different?
Gametes formed by meiosis as they are not genetically identical
What is a mutation?
amount or structure of DNA in a cell
What is a mutagen?
Chemical or agent that causes cancer
Types of mutations?
Gene mutations (sickle cell anaemia)
Chromosome mutation (Down syndrome)
What is genetic screening?
Genetic scanning involves testing persons DNA for the presence of a sense or abnormal or faulty genes
What are the advantages of genetic screening?
Give parents time to prepare
Has a role in IVF
Give the disadvantages of genetic screening?
More abortions
Medical record history cons lead to discrimination
Define evolution?
Living things change genetically by natural selection produce new species over long periods of time
Who are the people credited for the theory of evolution?
Darwin and Wallace
What observations where made that led to the theory of natural selection?
1.Organisms overbreed
2.Population numbers of species remain the same
3.Genetic variation exists
Outline the theory of natural selection
-Not all organisms survive there must be competition cause of scarce resources
-Genetic variation exists and organism better adapt to environment making more likely to survive to the reproduce more offspring with beneficial traits
-long periods of time more new species
Name one pieces of evidence that evolution took place?
Fossils
Describe how fossils show evidence for evolution?
Older fossils show many changes then modern fossils
Modern fossils have increased complexity
Liked to environmental change
Define genetic engineering?
Artificial manipulation and alternation of genes
Give 3 applications of genetic engineering
Microorganisms, Plants and animals
How are microorganism part of genetic engineering?
Genetically modified bacteria can produce insulin for diabetics
How are plants part of genetic engineering?
Genetically modified crops resistant to weed killer
How are animals part of genetic engineering?
Sheep can produce a blood clotting factor for haemophiliacs
Name the 5 stages of genetic engineering
1.Isolation
2.Cutting/restrictions
3.Insertion/ligation
4.Transformation
5.Expression
What occurs in isolation?
Chromosome containing desired gene extracted (the plasmid is extracted from a bacterium cell)
What occurs in cutting/restriction?
Plasmid desired gene is cut with the same restriction enzyme
What occurs in insertion/ligation?
Insulin in desired gene is inserted into the plasmid loop
DNA ligase enzyme is used to join the sticky ends and forms a recombinant DNA
What occurs in transformation?
Recombinant DNA is placed back into a bacterium a new base sequence which multiply rapidly in a bioreactor
What occurs in expression?
Produced,isolated and purified
What is a plasmid loop?
Circular loop of DNA found in some bacteria cells is widely used in genetic engineering
Use of plasmids in genetic engineering?
Used as vectors, carry the desired gene in to bacteria or organism being genetically modified
Give the advantages of genetic engineering?
1.Insulin for diabetics
2.weed killer resistant crops
3.produce blood clotting factor for haemophiliacs
Give the disadvantages of genetic engineering
1.welfare of genetically modified animals
2.vegetarians eating plants with animals genes
3.weeds could obtain weed killer resistant gene (uncontrollable growth of weeds)
