Genetic modification (genetic engineering)

Question 1

what does genetic modification involve

Answer 1

the transfer of genes or section of DNA from one organism into the DNA of another

Question 2

Restriction enzymes are used to

Answer 2

cut the required gene out of the DNA

Question 3

are restriction enzymes specific

Answer 3

yes, different types of restriction enzymes cut the DNA in different locations

Question 4

the cutting of the DNA with restriction enzymes results in

Answer 4

sticky ends

Question 5

a bacterial plasmid is

Answer 5

cut by the same restriction enzymes, which ensures the sticky ends of the plasmid, and the gene are complementary

Question 6

what joins the gene and plasmid sticky ends

Answer 6

DNA ligase

Question 7

plasmids and viruses acts as ___ for genetic engineering

Answer 7

vectors (transfers of genes)

Question 8

how do plasmids and viruses act as vectors

Answer 8

they take pieces of DNA and insert the recombinant DNA into other cells

Question 9

what is recombinant DNA

Answer 9

the DNA that has been artificially made by combining DNA from two different sources

Question 10

viruses transfer DNA into (2)

Answer 10

human cells or bacteria

Question 11

plasmids transfer DNA into (2)

Answer 11

bacteria or yeast

Question 12

process of genetic modification

Answer 12

1- plasmids are used as carriers of genes

2- the gene is inserted into the plasmid

3- the recombinant plasmid is put into the bacterium

4- as the bacterium reproduces, it copies the plasmid and produces the human protein

5- bacteria are grown in fermenters to make large quantities of the protein

Question 13

insulin is used for

Answer 13

medical use to treat diabetes

Question 14

how is human insulin manufactured

Answer 14

• insulin gene gets cut out of the human DNA using restriction enzymes, leaving sticky ends
• a plasmid is cut using the same restriction enzyme, so it has corresponding sticky ends
• insulin gene is joined into plasmid using DNA ligase, forming a recombinant plasmid
• recombinant plasmid is then placed into bacterium cell
• as bacteria reproduce, they copy the plasmid and each bacterium has insulin gene
• the bacteria are grown in fermenters, providing ideal conditions to make large amounts of it

Question 15

advantages of bacteria in genetic modification (3)

Answer 15

• easily accept foreign DNA due to plasmids which can leave and enter cell
• reproduce quickly and in large quantities
• fewer ethical concerns

Question 16

genetically modified plants are plants which

Answer 16

have had foreign DNA inserted into their genome

Question 17

genes are added to plants for (5)

Answer 17

insect resistance

herbicide resistance

disease resistance

improved yield

improved nutrition

Question 18

however, adding genes to plants means (3)

Answer 18

• reduced biodiversity
• increased dependancy on chemicals
• increased cost of seeds

Question 19

what does transgenic mean

Answer 19

an organism which has had genetic material from another species inserted into its DNA