Introduction

Question 1

What is involved in the process of genetic engineering?

Answer 1

It involves cutting a small section of DNA (target gene) from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of a second organism

Question 2

What is a target gene?

Answer 2

This is the single gene that is cut from a section of DNA from one organism and then inserted into the DNA of a second organism during genetic engineering

Question 3

Why is the process of genetic engineering referred to as a ‘cut and paste’ process?

Answer 3

As the target gene from one organism’s DNA is ‘cut’ and then ‘pasted’ into the DNA of another organism

Question 4

What is the altered DNA that results from genetic engineering also called?

Answer 4

Recombinant DNA

Question 5

Why is recombinant DNA called such?

Answer 5

As it recombines after the small section of DNA is inserted into it

Question 6

What happens to recombinant DNA after the target gene has been inserted into it?

Answer 6

The recombinant DNA is placed back into an organism

Question 7

What is the name given to an organism which contains recombinant?

Answer 7

The organism is called genetically modified organism (GMO)

Question 8

What happens to the recombinant DNA in a GMO if it reproduces asexually and what effect does this have on the offspring?

Answer 8

The altered DNA is also reproduced so that all of the offspring get a copy of the recombinant DNA containing the target gene

Question 9

What are the other names for genetic engineering?

5

Answer 9

Genetic manipulation 
Genetic modification 
Recombinant DNA technology 
Genetic splicing 
Gene cloning

Question 10

What does gene cloning mean?

Answer 10

Gene cloning refers to the idea that many identical copies of the target gene are formed when the organism reproduces

Question 11

How does genetic engineering result in combinations of DNA that would never be possible in nature?

Answer 11

As DNA from different species can be joined together

Question 12

How does genetic engineering break the species barrier?

Answer 12

As two organisms from different species would be prevented from reproducing together in nature but through genetic engineering DNA from different species can be joined together

Question 13

Give three different examples of cross-transfer of genes

Answer 13

Human genes can be inserted into bacteria
Bacterial genes can be inserted into plants
Human genes can be inserted into other animals