using recombinant DNA technology

Question 1

genetic engineering

Answer 1

plants, microorganisms and animals can all be transformed using recombinant DNA technology. A gene that codes for a desirable protein can be inserted into a plasmid which is added to a bacterium which is used as a vector. if the correct promotor region has been used, transformed cells can produce the desired protein

Question 2

transformed animals

Answer 2

a gene that codes for a desired protein can be inserted into an embryo or egg cell. if it is interred early enough into embryo all body cells will end up containing the gene

Question 3

agricultural benefits

Answer 3

crops can be transformed to produce higher yields and crops that are more nutritious so famine will reduce and costs will reduce

Question 4

medicine benefits

Answer 4

drugs and vaccines can be produced quickly and cheaply, eg insulin can be cloned to create type 1 diabetes medication

Question 5

concerns

Answer 5

farmers may only plant one crop so this could make it vulnerable to disease as all plants are genetically identical and it reduces biodiversity
some question the ethical implications of using the technology to make babies and people can design their own baby