Genetic Engineering

• What is genetic engineering?

  It is the modification of an organism's genome by transferring genes from one organism to another.
• How is genetic engineering used in medicine?

  It is used to produce human insulin for people with type 1 diabetes.
• How is genetic engineering applied in agriculture?

  It is used to create genetically modified (GM) crops that yield more and resist diseases.
• What is a good example of a product of genetic engineering in medicine?

  Human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria.
• Why do people with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections?

  Because they cannot produce their own insulin.
• What advantages do GM crops have over normal crops?

  GM crops generally produce a greater yield and can resist diseases and pests.
• What is a potential concern regarding GM crops?

  They may be harmful to insects or wildflowers.
• What is gene therapy?

  It is a method being explored to treat inherited disorders by modifying genes.
• Why is it important to transfer genes at an early stage of development?

  To ensure that all cells in the organism receive the transferred gene.
• What are the main steps in genetic engineering?

  1. Identify the gene to transfer.
  2. Use enzymes to isolate the gene.
  3. Transfer the gene into a plasmid or virus (vectors).
  4. Transfer the desired gene into the target organism's cells.
  5. Ensure transfer occurs at an early developmental stage.
• What is a plasmid?

  A plasmid is a small circle of DNA used to transfer genes between organisms.
• What role do vectors play in genetic engineering?

  Vectors, like plasmids or viruses, transfer DNA from one organism to another.
• What is the purpose of isolating a gene in genetic engineering?

  To prepare it for transfer into another organism.
• What is the significance of modifying the genome of bacteria?

  It allows bacteria to produce human proteins, such as insulin.
• How does genetic engineering differ from traditional breeding methods?

  Genetic engineering directly modifies genes, while traditional breeding relies on natural selection.
• What is a concern regarding the long-term effects of gene therapy?

  The potential effects on other genes are unknown.