Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Explain how genetic enginering works

Answer 1

A useful gene is ‘cut’ from one organisms chromosome using enzymes

Enzymes are then used to cut another organisms chromosome and then to insert the useful gene

Question 2

When does the genetic engineering method have to be done when doing it in plants and animals?

Answer 2

In very early stage of development (aka shortly after fertilisation)

→ This mean’s they’ll develop useful characteristics

Question 3

How can crops be genertically modified?

Answer 3

To make them resistant to viruses, insects or herbiscides

Question 4

How are sheep genetically engineered?

Answer 4

To produce substances, like drugs, in their milk that can be used to treat human diseases

Question 5

What is gene therapy?

Answer 5

When faulty genes causing a disorder are atempted to be relieved by inserting working genes

Question 6

Advantage of genetic engineering but concerns?

Answer 6

It is an exciting new area in science which has the potential for solving many of our problems (eg treating diseases, more efficient food production)

→ BUT there are worries about the long-term effects of genetic engineering - that changing a persons genes might acidentally create unplanned problems, which could then get passed on to future generations

Question 7

Pro’s of GM crops?

Answer 7

• They can increase the yield of a crop, making more food
• People living in developing nations often lack nutrients in their diets, GM crops could be engineered to contain the nutrient that’s missing

→ eg ‘Golden Rice’ that contains beta-carotene (lack of this substance causes blindness)

• They’re already being grown often without any problems
• More economically friendly
• Decrease in food prices
• More crops can be grown in a wider range of places
• Less presticide needs to be used
• Farmers have more income

Question 8

Concerns about GM crops

Answer 8

• May affect the number of weeds and flowers (and therefore the population of insects) rhat live in and around the crops - reducing farmland biodiversity
• The potential for the pests to evolve resistance to the toxins produces by GM crops
• Some people are concerned they’re not safe (aka developing allergies)
• Concern that transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment, eg the herbicide gene may be picked up by weeds, creating a new ‘superweed’ variety