Genetic Engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  To transfer a gene responsible for a desirable trait from one organism to another
• What do we call an organism that has been modified by adding a new gene?

  Genetically modified organism (GM)
• 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 one application of genetically engineered bacteria?

  To produce human insulin for diabetes treatment
• What are some benefits of genetically modified crops?

  Improved size and quality of fruit, disease resistance, and herbicide resistance
• What is gene therapy?

  A method to treat inherited disorders by providing a healthy version of a gene
• What is a challenge in gene therapy?

  Transferring the new gene into every cell in the body is difficult
• How might gene therapy be more effective if done at an early stage of development?

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

  Pros:

  • Desirable characteristics (e.g., more edible fruit)
  • Disease resistance
  • Increased food production for developing countries
  • Nutrient enhancement (e.g., golden rice with beta-carotene)

  
  

  Cons:

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

  Finding and cutting out the gene of interest from the DNA
• What are vectors used for in genetic engineering?

  To introduce the gene into the target organism
• What are examples of vectors used in genetic engineering?

  A virus or a bacterial plasmid
• What is the goal when introducing a vector into an organism?

  To have the organism's cells take up the vector and produce the protein coded by the gene
• What is the purpose of the protein produced by the inserted gene?

  To perform a specific function as coded by the gene