genetic engineering

• what is genetic engineering 


  transferring a gene responsible for a desirsble characteristics from one organism into another organism so it has the desired characteristic
• how is genetic engineering done

  -gene is cut from dna using enzymes and bacterial dna is purified

  -smaller amount of gene cut out and and put into cut vector with same enzymes

  -vector is inserted into organism to gain characteristic
• why are crops genetically modified

  to improve size, quality of fruit, more resistant to disease and insects
• what are cons of genetically modified crops with bacterial protein to kill insects 


  -bacterial protein may be bad for humans(humans may not understand enough to know if there are effects)

  -kills pollinating insects(reduces farmland biodiversity)
• what are cons of genetically modified crops that are resistant to weed killer


  -concern that weed killer resistant green will get out and end up in wild plants making new variety of ’superweed’
• what are pros of genetically modified crops that are resistant to weed killer and/or have bacterial proteins to kill insects

  -cheaper

  -greater yield