Genetic engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  Transferring genes to modify organisms
• What does it mean to genetically modify an organism?

  To add a new helpful gene to its genome
• What term is used for organisms that have been genetically modified?

  Genetically modified or GM
• Can genes from different species be used in genetic engineering?

  Yes, genes can be transferred between species
• How have sheep been genetically engineered?

  To produce drugs in their milk
• What human hormone has been produced using 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 major challenge in gene therapy?

  Transferring the new gene into every cell
• Why might transferring a gene at the embryo stage be beneficial?

  It ensures the healthy gene is in all cells
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?

  Pros:

  • Desirable characteristics like 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 the first step in transferring a gene from one organism to another?

  Finding and cutting out the desired gene
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A carrier for the gene, like a virus
• 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 target organism start producing after gene transfer?

  The protein that the gene codes for