Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Genome

Answer 1

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
The human genome has been extensively studied to understand our biological makeup.

Question 2

Ethics

Answer 2

Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.
The ethics of genetic modification are still hotly debated in scientific circles.

Question 3

Biotechnology

Answer 3

The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes.
Biotechnology has advanced rapidly, allowing us to edit genes in ways we never thought possible.

Question 4

Modify

Answer 4

Make partial or minor changes to something.
Scientists have learned how to modify genes to potentially cure certain diseases.

Question 5

Controversial

Answer 5

Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
Genetic modification is a controversial topic in many societies

Question 6

Hereditary

Answer 6

Of or passed down by inheritance from an ancestor; transmitted from parent to child.
Hereditary diseases can be potentially cured through genetic modification.

Question 7

Unprecedented

Answer 7

Never done or known before.
The advances in genetic engineering are unprecedented.

Question 8

Turn out

Answer 8

Prove to be the case.
The genetically modified crops turned out to be more resistant to pests.

Question 9

Bring about

Answer 9

Cause to happen.
They hope that genetic engineering can bring about a revolution in medicine.

Question 10

Wipe out

Answer 10

Destroy completely.
With genetic modification, we might be able to wipe out certain genetic disorders.

Question 11

“In the pipeline”

Answer 11

Something being prepared or on the way.
There are more genetic modification techniques in the pipeline.

Question 12

Open a can of worms

Answer 12

To create a situation that will cause trouble or complications.
Some fear that genetic modification might open a can of worms ethically.

Question 13

Genotype

Answer 13

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
The genotype of an individual can determine their susceptibility to certain diseases.

Question 14

Phenotype

Answer 14

The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
Even identical genotypes can result in different phenotypes due to environmental factors.

Question 15

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

Answer 15

You can’t have two incompatible things; you need to choose one or the other.
When it comes to genetic modification, it’s like they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too - we can’t enjoy the benefits without facing ethical dilemmas.