genetic engineering

• What is the basic idea of genetic engineering?

  To transfer a gene responsible for a desirable trait from one organism to another.
• How does genetic engineering modify an organism's genome?

  By adding a new helpful gene to the organism's genome.
• Can genes from different species be used in genetic engineering?

  Yes, genes from one species can be used to modify organisms of another species.
• What is one example of a genetically engineered organism mentioned in the material?

  Sheep that produce drugs in their milk.
• What is the purpose of genetically engineered bacteria in medicine?

  To produce human insulin for diabetes treatment.
• What are some benefits of genetically modified crops?

  They can improve fruit size and quality, and resist diseases, insects, and herbicides.
• What is gene therapy?

  A method to treat inherited disorders by providing a healthy version of a faulty gene.
• What is a major challenge in gene therapy?

  Transferring the new gene into every cell in the body.
• How might transferring a gene at an early stage of development help in gene therapy?

  The healthy gene would be passed on to all other cells as the organism develops.
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified crops?

  Pros:

  • Increased food production with desirable traits
  • Resistance to diseases and pests
  • Nutrient enrichment (e.g., golden rice with beta-carotene)

  
  

  Cons:

  • Uncertainty about health effects
  • Potential ecological impact if they out-compete local plants
• What is one potential health concern regarding genetically modified crops?

  We don't know for certain how they might affect our health.
• Why is it unlikely that genetically modified plants will out-compete local plants?

  They have been specifically modified to survive in a farmer's field, not in the wild.
• What is the first step in transferring a gene from one organism to another?

  Finding the gene that we want and cutting that section of DNA out.
• What is a vector in genetic engineering?

  A vehicle, such as a virus or bacterial plasmid, used to transfer genes into an organism.
• How do we introduce the vector to the target organism?

  By ensuring the organism's cells take up the vector and the useful gene it contains.
• What is the ultimate goal of transferring a gene into an organism?

  To have the organism's cells produce the protein that the gene codes for.