Genetic Engineering/Modification

• What is genetic engineering?

  The transfer of a piece of DNA from one organism to another organism
• What is another name for genetic engineering? 

  Genetic modification 
• T or F? Genetic engineering can only be done between two organisms of the same species. 

  False 

  Genetic engineering is possible between completely different species, and even between kingdoms such as from animals to bacteria. 
• Sheep have been genetically engineered to produce drugs in their milk.
• Which of the following has been genetically engineered to produce human insulin?

  Bacteria 
• Give three traits that could have been altered by genetic engineering in crops. 

  • Increased yield e.g. bigger fruit 
  • Increase quality e.g. better taste 
  • Resistance to disease 
  • Resistance to insects  
  • Resistance to herbicides  
  • Resistance to droughts  
• What is gene therapy?

  The treatment of an inherited disorder by giving the patient a healthy copy of the faulty gene 
• Which of these disorders could be treated with gene therapy?

  Cystic fibrosis 
• What are the drawbacks of genetic engineering? 

  • If the crops breed with wild plants they could spread the new genes and affect the gene pool
  • There is a small risk that genetically modified food could negatively affect our health 
• Steps of genetic engineering for human insulin

  1. Isolate the insulin gene from human DNA.
  2. Insert the DNA into a vector, such as a plasmid. 
  3. Insert the plasmid into a host bacterium. 
  4. Let the bacteria divide and then produce the insulin protein. 
• What is the name of the small circles of DNA that are genetically modified in bacteria?

  Plasmids