Genetic Modification (Genetic Engineering)

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  Transferring genes to modify organisms
• Why do we transfer genes from one organism to another?

  To develop desirable traits in the recipient
• What is gene therapy intended to do?

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

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

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

  Pros:

  • Increased desirable characteristics (e.g., larger fruit)
  • Resistance to diseases
  • More 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 genetically modified plants?

  They might affect human health
• What is a potential ecological issue with GM crops?

  They could 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 being transferred
• What happens after the vector is introduced to the target organism?

  The organism's cells take up the vector
• What is the ultimate goal of transferring a gene into an organism?

  To produce the protein coded by the gene