Genetic engineering

• What is genetic engineering?

  Modification of an organism's genome
• How is genetic engineering used in medicine?

  To produce insulin for diabetes treatment
• How is genetic engineering used in agriculture?

  To create genetically modified crops
• What is a gene?

  A section of DNA coding for proteins
• What happens to bacteria in genetic engineering?

  Bacteria are modified to include human genes
• What hormone is produced using genetically modified bacteria?

  Insulin
• Why do people with type 1 diabetes need insulin?

  They cannot produce their own insulin
• What are GM crops designed to do?

  Increase yield and resist diseases
• What is a benefit of herbicide-resistant GM crops?

  Weeds can be killed without harming crops
• What concerns do people have about GM crops?

  Potential harm to insects and health effects
• What is gene therapy?

  Modification of genes to treat disorders
• What is the first step in genetic engineering?

  Identify the gene to transfer
• What are plasmids used for in genetic engineering?

  To transfer DNA between organisms
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A method to transfer DNA between organisms
• When is the gene transferred in an organism's development?

  At an early stage of development
• Why is it important to transfer genes early in development?

  To ensure all cells receive the 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
  4. Transfer the gene into target organism's cells
  5. Ensure transfer occurs early in development
• What are the potential long-term effects of genetic modification?

  • Unknown effects on other genes
  • Possible health implications for humans
  • Environmental impacts on ecosystems