4.6.2.4 Genetic Engineering Flashcards
(16 cards)
1
Q
What is genetic engineering?
A
- modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a des8red characteristic
2
Q
Why have plant cells genetically engineered?
A
- distance resistance
- larger fruits
3
Q
Why have bacterial cells been genetically engineered?
A
- produce useful substances to humans
- e.g. insulin toteeat diabetes
4
Q
What is the first step of genetic engineering?
A
- genes from chromosomes are taken out of a nucleus using restriction enzymes
- leaves short sections of exposed, unpaired bases
5
Q
What is the second step of genetic engineering?
A
- a virus or bacterial plasmid is cut using the same restriction enzyme to also create the ‘sticker ends’
- contains antibiotic marker gene
6
Q
What is the third step of genetic engineering?
A
- loop and gene sticky ends are joined together by DNA ligase enzymes
7
Q
What is the fourth step of genetic engineering?
A
- combined loop is placed in a vector
- allows it to multiply as it contains modified gene
- as bacteria grows, you can see which bacteria is resistant, the colonies that are resistant will be the bacteria that is producing the modified gene as they were inserted together
8
Q
Where is the vector put into in plants?
A
- meristematic cells (unspecialised cells)
- can produce identical copies of modified plant
9
Q
Why are genetically modified crops engineered and what does it result in?
A
- engineered to be resistant to insects and herbicides
- result in increased yields as less crops die
10
Q
How can genetic engineering be used in terms of medicine?
A
- cure inherited disorders
11
Q
How can gene therapy cure inherited disorders?
A
- it involves transferring normal genes (not faulty) into patients so correct proteins are produced
12
Q
What are the benefits of genetic engineering?
A
- useful in medicine to mass produce certain hormones in microorganisms
- improve yields in agriculture
- crops with extra vitamins can be produced in areas where it is harder to obtain
- greater yields can help solve world hunger wh8ch is an increasing issue as a result of population growth
13
Q
How can genetic engineering improve yields in agriculture?
A
- improves growth rates
- introduces modifications that allow the crops to grow in different conditions
- introduces modifications that allow plantsto make their own pesticide or herbicide
14
Q
A
15
Q
What are risks of genetic engineering?
A
- GM crops might have an effect on wild flowers and therefore insects
-people are worried that we don’t completely understand the effects of GM crops on human health - genetic engineering in agriculture could lead to genetic engineering in humans, meaning that people would use the technology to have designer babies
- pose a selection pressure, could lead to increased resistance in other species, creating super weeds and pests
16
Q
Why might GM crops have an effect on wild flowers and insects?
A
- GM crops are infertile and the genes could spread into wild plants, leading to infertility in other species which affects the entire environment
- growing with herbicides and pesticides can kill insects and other plants, reducing biodiversity
