Genetic Engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?


  To transfer a gene responsible for a desirable trait from one organism to another
• Why do we modify an organism's genome in genetic engineering?


  To add a new helpful gene that gives the organism a desirable characteristic
• Can genes from different species be used in genetic engineering?


  Yes, genes from one species can be used to modify organisms of another species
• What is an example of a genetically engineered organism that produces drugs?


  Some sheep that produce substances like drugs in their milk
• How has genetic engineering been applied to bacteria?


  Bacteria have been genetically engineered to produce human insulin
• What are some benefits of genetically modified crops?


  They can improve fruit size and quality, and resist diseases, insects, and herbicides
• What is gene therapy?


  It involves giving a person a healthy version of a gene to fix inherited disorders
• What is a challenge associated with gene therapy?


  Transferring the new gene into every cell in the body is difficult
• How could transferring a gene at an early developmental stage help gene therapy?


  The healthy gene would be passed on to all cells as the person develops
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?


  Pros:

  • Desirable characteristics like more edible fruit
  • Resistance to disease, leading to more food production
  • Nutrient production, e.g., golden rice with beta-carotene

  
  

  Cons:

  • Uncertainty about health effects of GM crops
  • Potential ecological impact if GM plants out-compete local plants
• What is the first step in transferring a gene from one organism to another?


  Finding the gene that we want and cutting that section of DNA out
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?


  A vector is a vehicle, such as a virus or bacterial plasmid, used to transfer genes
• How do we introduce the vector to the target organism?


  By ensuring the organism's cells take up the vector and the useful gene it contains
• What is the ultimate goal of transferring a gene into an organism?


  To have the organism produce the protein that the gene codes for
• What is the purpose of using enzymes in genetic engineering?


  To cut the DNA and isolate the desired gene
• The process involves the transfer of genes from one species to another, resulting in new traits or characteristics that may not occur naturally.
• ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases) are proteins used in gene editing that can be engineered to bind and cut specific DNA sequences.
• TALEN (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) is another gene-editing technique that can target specific DNA sequences for modification.
• CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely modify genes within an organism.
• There is ongoing debate about the safety and potential risks associated with GMOs.
• Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are created through genetic engineering.
• In 2018, there were over 45 million hectares planted with genetically engineered crops worldwide.