KA 5: Genetic Engineering

• What does normal control of bacterial activity depend on?

  Activity of chromosomes
• What is the manipulation of bacterial chromosomal material called?

  Genetic engineering
• What are the stages of genetic engineering?

  1. Identification of useful genes
  2. Isolation of these genes
  3. Transfer into a plasmid
  4. Bacterial division produces gene products
• What happens when a bacterium divides after gene insertion?

  It produces substances including gene products
• Why can large amounts of products be manufactured quickly in bacteria?

  Bacteria divide very rapidly
• What are two products of genetic engineering?

  Human insulin and human factor VIII
• Why is there an increasing demand for genetically engineered human insulin?

  Cattle and pig insulin cannot meet demand
• Why must some diabetics use genetically engineered human insulin?

  They suffer reactions from animal insulin
• What are the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture?

  • Genetic modification of crops (GM crops)
  • Higher yields
  • Disease resistance
  • Herbicide resistance
• Why is genetic engineering carefully controlled?

  To prevent infections or environmental damage
• What is a potential risk of reprogramming micro-organisms?

  Creating organisms that may escape and cause harm
• What is the purpose of genetic engineering in crops?

  To produce plants with higher yields
• What is one benefit of genetically modified crops?

  Resistance to diseases or herbicides