Genetic engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  Transferring genes to modify organisms
• What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

  An organism with a modified genome
• Can genes from different species be used in genetic engineering?

  Yes, genes from different species can be used
• How have sheep been genetically engineered?

  To produce drugs in their milk
• What human hormone have bacteria been genetically engineered to produce?

  Insulin
• What are some benefits of genetically modified crops?

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

  Giving a healthy gene to fix disorders
• What is a challenge of gene therapy?

  Transferring the gene to every cell
• How can gene transfer be more effective in development stages?

  Transfer at egg or embryo stage
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?

  Pros:

  • Desirable characteristics (e.g., disease resistance)
  • Increased food production for less cost
  • Nutrient enrichment (e.g., golden rice)

  
  

  Cons:

  • Uncertainty about health effects
  • Potential ecological impact if they escape
• What is golden rice enriched with?

  Beta-carotene
• What is a concern regarding GM crops and health?

  Uncertainty about their health effects
• What is a potential ecological concern with GM crops?

  They might out-compete local plants
• What is the first step in transferring a gene?

  Find and cut the desired gene
• 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 introducing the vector to the target organism?

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

  The protein coded by the new gene
• What is the end goal of genetic engineering?

  To modify organisms for beneficial traits