Genetic engineering

• Genetic engineering is also known as genetic modification.
• What is genetic modification?

  Involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to result in a desired characteristic
• What are the main steps in genetic engineering?

  1. Enzymes are used to isolate the gene
  2. This is inserted into a vector (usually a bacterial plasmid or virus)
  3. The vector inserts the gene into the required cells
  4. The genes are transferred to animal, plant or microorganism cells during early development, meaning they can develop with the desired characteristics
• What are the uses of genetic modification?

  • Can increase crop yields
  • Bacterial cells can be modified to produce substances such as human insulin
  • Can modify plants to resist herbicides and insect attacks
• Reasons why GM should be banned:

  • Could cause allergic reactions
  • GM crops could be harmful to humans
  • GM crop seeds are more expensive so developing countries cant afford it
  • Could cause issues in other plants
• Reasons why GM should not be banned:

  • Improves crop yields and disease resistance, reducing hunger in the world
  • GM is faster and more efficient
  • Introduces herbicide resistance
  • Insect and pest resistance can be developed