Genetic Engineering and Fossils Flashcards
1
Q
What is genetic engineering?
A
To transfer a gene responsible for a desirable characteristics from one organisms genome to another organism
2
Q
Describe the process of genetic engineering?
A
- A gene is cut from an organisms genome using enzymes and is inserted into a vector
- The vector is either a virus or a bacterial plasmid
- The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells
- Genes are transferred to the cells of the organism at an early stage in their development so they develop with the desired characteristics
3
Q
What is genetic engineering used for?
A
- Bacteria have been GM to produce human insulin (treat diabetes)
- GM crops have had their genes modified for disease resistance
- Sheep have been GE to produce substances in their milk that can be used to treat human diseases
4
Q
What are the problems with GE?
A
- Some people say they aren’t safe
- The genes may get into the wild (e.g. herbicide resistance gene may be passed onto weeds)
- Decrease in gene pool
- Decreases biodiversity
5
Q
What are the advantages of GE?
A
- Increase yield
- Developing counties lack nutrients in their food, GE can be the solution
6
Q
What are fossils?
A
Remains of organisms from thousands of years ago
7
Q
What are the different ways that fossils form?
A
- Replacement by minerals
- Casts and impressions
- Parts of an organism which haven’t decayed because one or more conditions for decay weren’t present
8
Q
Why can’t scientists work out how life started on earth?
A
Most of the organisms were soft bodied so they have left few traces behind or their traces were destroyed by geological activity
9
Q
Why are fossils useful?
A
They show how life evolved
