Genetic engineering

• Genetic engineering


  An area of science with exciting possibilities, but there might be danger
• Genetic engineering transfers genes between organisms

  1. Isolate a useful gene from one organism's genome

  2. Insert the gene into a vector (virus or bacterial plasmid)

  3. Introduce the vector to the target organism

  4. The useful gene is inserted into the target organism's cell(s)
• Applications of genetic engineering

  • Bacteria producing human insulin to treat diabetes
  • Genetically modified crops with improved size, quality, disease/insect/herbicide resistance
  • Sheep producing substances in milk to treat human diseases
  • Gene therapy to treat inherited diseases
• Genetic engineering is a controversial topic
• Genetic engineering


  • Has the potential to solve many problems (e.g. treating diseases, more efficient food production)
  • Concerns about long-term unintended consequences and effects on the environment
• Pros and cons of GM crops

  • Affect on wild flowers and insects, reducing farmland biodiversity
  • Concerns about safety and potential allergies from eating GM crops
  • Risk of herbicide resistance genes spreading to weeds
  • Increased crop yield and ability to add missing nutrients
  • GM crops already being grown without major problems
• If only there was a gene to make revision easier