Lesson 10: Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

• Genetic engineering is a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic.

Question 2

For what 2 purposes have plant crops been genetically engineered?

Answer 2

• To be resistant to diseases.
• To produce bigger, better fruits.

Question 3

For what purpose have bacterial cells been genetically engineered?

Answer 3

1.) To poduce useful substances (such as human insulin) to treat diabetes.

Question 4

What are the 4 main steps in the process of genetic engineering?

What is the important note as to WHEN genes should be inserted into cells of animals, plants and micro-organisms?

Answer 4

1.) Enzymes are used to isolate the required gene from chromosomes (from an organism.)
2.) This gene is inserted into a vector (usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus.)
3.) The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Genes are transferred to the cells of animals, plants or micro- organisms at an early stage of their development so that they develop with desired characteristics.

Question 5

What is the name of crops that have had a gene transferred to their cells that was “cut out” from the chromosomes of another organism?

Answer 5

• Genetically Modified (GM) crops.

Question 6

What properties do some GM crops have?

Answer 6

1.) Ones that are resistant to insect attack/ to herbicides (so farmers can use herbicides to kill weeds without damaging their crops.)
2.) GM crops grow in increased yields in comparison to non-GM crops.

Question 7

What are the main concerns around GM (genetically modified) crops?

Answer 7

1.) The crops may have a negative effect on populations of wild flowers and insects.
2.) The effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored.

Question 8

What is genetic modificaton being explored for in modern, medical research?

Answer 8

• Genetic modification is being explored to overcome some inherited dissorders (this is known as gene therapy.)

Question 9

What is the risk of gene therapy (ie. genetic engineering in medicine?)

Answer 9

• Long- term effects aren’t known (modifying a gene, we don’t know the potential effects on other genes.)