Genetic Engineering

Cards (9)

  • What is genetic engineering?

    Modifying the genome of an organism to introduce one or more desirable characteristics.
  • Genetically modifying bacteria is a process that involves inserting a gene from one organism into the DNA of another organism
  • Steps of genetically modifying bacteria
  • Using bacteria to produce insulin
  • Genetically modifying plants can be used to produce crops that are resistant to pests and diseases
  • Steps of genetically modifying plants
  • What are the benefits of genetic engineering?
    Improved crops (increase crop yield and reducing the need to spray with pesticides and adding additional nutrients to crops helps reduce problems related to malnutrition), disease resistance, medical advancements.
  • Give an example of a genetically modified crop
    Golden rice - has additional beta carotene added to help create more vitamin A.
  • What are the risks of genetic engineering?
    • People are concerned that genes from genetically modified organisms could spread to non genetically modified organisms.
    • There may be harmful effects from eating genetically modified organisms.
    • Ethical concerns
    • Biodiversity may be affected.