Genetic engineering

• What is genetic engineering?

  Genetic engineering is the transfer of genes between organisms to achieve desirable characteristics.
• What is the basic idea behind genetic engineering?

  The basic idea is to transfer a gene responsible for a desirable characteristic from one organism's genome into another organism.
• What are the steps involved in genetic engineering?

  1. Isolate a useful gene from one organism's genome using enzymes.
  2. Insert the gene into a vector (usually a virus or bacterial plasmid).
  3. Introduce the vector to the target organism to insert the gene into its cells.
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A vector is a vehicle, usually a virus or bacterial plasmid, used to transfer genes into another organism.
• What is one application of genetic engineering in medicine?

  Bacteria have been genetically modified to produce human insulin for treating diabetes.
• How have GM crops been modified for agricultural benefits?

  GM crops have been modified to improve the size and quality of their fruit and to make them resistant to disease, insects, and herbicides.
• What is gene therapy?

  Gene therapy is a method of treating inherited diseases by inserting working genes into individuals with faulty genes.
• When is the transfer of a gene often carried out in genetic engineering?

  The transfer of a gene is often carried out when the organism receiving the gene is at an early stage of development, such as an egg or embryo.
• What are the potential benefits and concerns of genetic engineering?

  Benefits:

  • Potential to solve problems like treating diseases and improving food production.

  
  

  Concerns:

  • Long-term effects and unplanned problems may arise from changing an organism's genes.
• What is a concern regarding the impact of GM crops on biodiversity?

  Growing GM crops may affect the number of wild flowers and the population of insects, reducing farmland biodiversity.
• What health concerns are associated with GM crops?

  Some people are concerned about the potential health effects of eating GM crops, including the risk of developing allergies.
• What is a major environmental concern regarding GM crops?

  A major concern is that transplanted genes may escape into the natural environment, potentially creating 'superweeds'.
• How can GM crops benefit people in developing nations?

  GM crops can be engineered to contain missing nutrients, helping to address nutritional deficiencies in diets.
• What is 'golden rice'?

  'Golden rice' is a GM rice crop that contains beta-carotene, which is essential for preventing blindness.
• Are GM crops currently being grown, and what is the general outcome?

  Yes, GM crops are already being grown in some places, often without any problems.
• What should you outline regarding GM crops for an exam?

  • One benefit of GM crops
  • One concern about GM crops
• What is genetic engineering?

  It is a process that involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism.
• What is the purpose of introducing a gene from another organism in genetic engineering?

  To give a desired characteristic to the organism.
• How have plant crops been genetically engineered?

  To be resistant to diseases or to produce bigger and better fruits.
• What is one application of genetic engineering in bacteria?

  Bacterial cells have been engineered to produce human insulin to treat diabetes.
• What are some potential benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture?

  Increased crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases.
• What are some potential risks of genetic engineering in agriculture?

  Effects on populations of wild flowers and insects, and unexamined health effects on humans.
• What are genetically modified (GM) crops?

  Crops that have had their genes modified through genetic engineering.
• What characteristics do GM crops often exhibit?

  Resistance to insect attack or herbicides and generally increased yields.
• What concerns do people have regarding GM crops?

  Concerns include their effects on wild flower and insect populations and potential health impacts on humans.
• What is modern medical research exploring in relation to genetic engineering?

  The possibility of genetic modification to overcome some inherited disorders.
• What are the main steps in the process of genetic engineering?

  1. Enzymes are used to isolate the required gene.
  2. The gene is inserted into a vector, usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus.
  3. The vector is used to insert the gene into the required cells.
  4. Genes are transferred to the cells of animals, plants, or microorganisms at an early stage in their development.
• What is the role of vectors in genetic engineering?

  Vectors are used to insert the required gene into the target cells.
• What types of organisms can genes be transferred to in genetic engineering?

  Genes can be transferred to the cells of animals, plants, or microorganisms.
• At what stage in development are genes transferred to cells in genetic engineering?

  At an early stage in their development.
• What skills can be developed through interpreting information about genetic engineering techniques?

  • Making informed judgments about issues concerning cloning and genetic engineering.
  • Understanding the implications of genetic modifications in various fields.