Genetic Modification

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  Transferring genes to modify organisms
• Can genes from different species be used in genetic engineering?

  Yes, genes from one species can modify another
• What is gene therapy intended to treat?

  Inherited disorders due to faulty genes
• Why is gene therapy difficult to implement?

  New genes must be transferred to every cell
• What is a potential solution for gene therapy challenges?

  Transfer genes at the embryo stage
• 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 current evidence regarding GM crops and health?

  No evidence they are harmful
• What is a concern regarding genetically modified plants in the wild?

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

  Find and cut the desired gene from DNA
• What tools are used to cut DNA for gene transfer?

  Enzymes
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A carrier for the gene, like a virus or bacteria
• What is the purpose of introducing a vector to an organism?

  To transfer the useful gene into cells
• What type of DNA structure do bacteria have that can be used as vectors?

  Bacterial plasmids
• What is the ultimate goal of genetic modification?

  To produce proteins coded by the new gene
• What is the final outcome of successful gene transfer?

  Organism produces the desired protein
• What is the process of gene transfer in genetic engineering?

  1. Identify the desired gene
  2. Cut the gene from DNA using enzymes
  3. Insert the gene into a vector (virus or plasmid)
  4. Introduce the vector to the target organism
  5. Organism's cells take up the vector and express the gene