UNIT 3 3C: Genetically modified and transgenic organisms

Question 1

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Answer 1

An organism that has had its genome altered by genetic engineering technology

Question 2

Transgenetically modified organism (TMO)

Answer 2

A type of genetically modified organism that has had genetic material from a different species inserted into its genome.

trans = across, genic = gene

Question 3

Is bacteria used in the process of gene cloning for the human insulin gene a GMO or TMO?

Answer 3

the bacteria used in the process of gene cloning would be referred to as both genetically modified (their DNA has been manipulated) and transgenic (as they contain human DNA)

Question 4

Types of vectors in creating GMO’s

Answer 4

1. Plasmid
2. Virus
3. Liposome

Question 5

What is a liposome

Answer 5

A liposome is a vesicle made of a bilayer of phospholipids

Question 6

Ethical implications raised by the use of GMO’s

Answer 6

1. Many individuals or groups consider the manipulation of any organism’s genetic information to be unnatural
2. Is the consumption of genetically modified(GM) plants safe for humans? Has there been enough research to prove whether there are short-or long term impacts on an individual’s health?

Question 7

Social/Economic implications of GMO’s

Answer 7

1. Large companies that own the patents for GM seeds control the market and the cost of seeds, and not all farmers can afford this technology. This increases the inequality between wealthier and poorer struggling farmers
2. The reduced need to use pesticides due to GM crops’ improved resistance to disease could put manufacturers of these products out of business because of reduced sales.
3. Plants that have been genetically modified to grow in harsher conditions due to climate change could also help to reduce malnutrition in some countries

Question 8

Biological implications of GMO’s

Answer 8

1. As GM crops can result in increased growth and yield of plants, less space is required for growth. This means less land is cleared for farming, which reduces the loss of habitat for other organisms.
2. The genes from GM crops could be inadvertently transferred to another plant of the same (or very similar) species that is not GM, via cross-pollination caused by insects or wind.