Genetic Engineering Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
To transfer a gene for a desireable characteristic from one organism’s genome to another so it also has that desired characteristic
How does genetic engineering work?
A useful gene is isolated (cut) from one organism’s genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector
The vector is usually a virus or a bacterial plasmid
When the vector is introduced to the target organism, the useful gene is inserted into its cell
Examples of genetic engineering
Bacteria being genetically modified to produce human insulin(can be used to treat t1 diabetes)
Sheep- produce substances like drugs in their milk that can be used to treat humans
What is gene therapy
Replacing faulty genes with working genes
Why are crops Geneticaly modified
To improve the size and quality of their fruit or make them resistant to a disease, insects and herbicides
Pros of GM(genetically modified) crops
The characteristics chosen for GM crops can increase the yield making more food
People living in developing countries lack nutrients in their diets GM crops would give them the nutrients
GM crops already grown with no problems
Cons of GM Crops
Some people say that growing GM crops will affect the number of wild flowers that live in and around the crops-reducing farmland biodiversity
Not everyone is convinced its safe
Transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment
