6.2

Question 1

suggest two purposes of plant collection in a modern botanic garden

Answer 1

-to protect rare species
-gene bank OR genetic resource/ store of alleles
-teaching/ education
-leisure/ amenity value/ aesthetic value

Question 2

what is the role of PCR in sequencing a genome

Answer 2

-PCR amplifies DNA
-a range of different lengths of DNA- (chain terminating nucleotides)

Question 3

what is the role of electrophoresis in sequencing a genome

Answer 3

-puts DNA pieces in size order
-to read base sequence/ order of basews

Question 4

what is the role of digestion of DNA by restriction enzymes in sequencing a genome

Answer 4

-to cut (genome DNA) into smaller fragments
-to cut vectors/ plasmids

Question 5

suggest why a genome has to be fragmented before sequencing

Answer 5

• genome too big/ very large- would take too long
  -accuracy/ fewer errors with smaller fragments
  -divide job over time/ different labs

Question 6

what are the benefits of genetically modified rice which have an increased vitamin A content

Answer 6

-reduces vitamin A deficiency
-reduce eye problems/ blindness

Question 7

what are the ethical concerns of genetically modified rice which have an increased vitamin A content

Answer 7

-reduces genetic diversity/ variation
-clone may suffer from one disease/ environmental change
-spread of genes to other wild populations
-seeds expensive/ need to be brought every year
-rice does not grow in all areas where needed
-doubts whether vitamin A content is sufficient

-antibiotic gene transfer to pathogenic bacteria
-unknown effects/ cause mutation

Question 8

what are the benefits of somatic gene therapy (genetically modified organism)

Answer 8

-cure/ reduce symptoms/ better Qol/ less medication
-cystic fibrosis/ Parkinson’s/ thalassaemia
-extend lifespan/ save lives

Question 9

what are the ethical considerations of somatic gene therapy (genetically modified organism)

Answer 9

-virus vector may cause viral disease
-procedure may be invasive/ painful/ stressful
-temporary/ needs to be repeated/ limited success
-immune system/ rejection/ problems
-animal testing concerns

-antibiotic gene transfer to pathogenic bacteria
-unknown effects/ cause mutation