Genetic Engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  Transferring genes to modify organisms
• What is an example of a desirable characteristic in plants?

  Large fruit size
• 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 can be transferred across species
• What substance can genetically engineered sheep produce in their milk?

  Drugs
• What human hormone has been produced by genetically engineered bacteria?

  Insulin
• What are some benefits of genetically modified crops?

  Improved size, quality, and disease resistance
• What is gene therapy aimed at treating?

  Inherited disorders due to faulty genes
• What is a challenge in gene therapy?

  Transferring the gene into every cell
• How might gene therapy be more effective if done early in development?

  Healthy gene would be passed to all cells
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?

  Pros:

  • Desirable characteristics (e.g., disease resistance)
  • Increased food production
  • Nutrient enhancement (e.g., golden rice)

  
  

  Cons:

  • Uncertainty about health effects
  • Potential ecological impact
  • Risk of out-competing local plants
• What is golden rice enriched with?

  Beta-carotene
• What is the first step in transferring a gene from one organism to another?

  Finding and cutting the desired gene
• What tools are used to cut DNA for gene transfer?

  Enzymes
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A carrier for the gene transfer
• What types of vectors can be used in gene transfer?

  Viruses or bacterial plasmids
• What happens after the vector is introduced to the target organism?

  The organism's cells take up the vector
• What do the cells of the organism start producing after gene transfer?

  The protein coded by the new gene