B14.4 +7 Genetjc Engineering And The Concerns

Question 1

What is genetic engineering ?

Answer 1

Modifying an organism genes, so that they express a desired trait

Question 2

What are the pros of genetic engineering?

Answer 2

Medincine potential
- cure/ treat genetic disorders
Direct method of increasing desired trait Eg nutrients in rice
Resistance in crops
- reducing need for polluting fertilisers

Question 3

What are the cons of genetic engineering ?

Answer 3

• expensive
• side effect not fully understood
• can have knock on affects to natural populations
• ethic (religious beliefs)
• could accidentally create a ‘super world’
• resistance in crops
  Reduces variation

Question 4

What is a good example of genetic modification?

Answer 4

Insulin from GM bacteria
Resistance in crops
Increased nutrients content in foods

Question 5

Explain the stages of genetic modification ?

Answer 5

• We get a plasmid which is cut from a bacteria using an enzyme
• Desired gene cut using an enzyme
• Plasmid and gene combined us an Enzyme
• bacteria grown in culture. They express the desired gene in this case secreting

Question 6

What is it called when we combine the desired gene with the plasmid ?

Answer 6

A recombinant plasmid which is placed in a transgenic bacteria

Question 7

What is the name used for the exploration as way to treat human inherited disorders using genetics modification ?

Answer 7

Gene therapy
- however long terms affects not known

Question 8

What can we use instead of a plasmid?

Answer 8

A virus

Question 9

When do we transfer the desired gene ?

Answer 9

In the early embryo stage so all the cells receive the transferred gene and develops with the desired characteristic