genetic engineering

Question 1

what is genetic engineering?

Answer 1

modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism
—> in order to produce the desired characteristic
–> produces a transgenic organism

Question 2

what is a vector?

Answer 2

something that is used to transfer DNA into a cell
–> plasmids
–> viruses

Question 3

what are the enzymes used to cut up and put back together

Answer 3

• restriction enzymes
• ligase enzymes

Question 4

examples of genetic engineering:

Answer 4

CROPS
- crops have larger fruits
- crops are disease resistant
- resistant to insects
- resistant to herbicides
- longer shelf life
INSULIN
- bacteria cells produce insulin to treat diabetes

Question 5

what is the definition of transgenic?

Answer 5

transfer of genetic material from one species to another species (not all GMOs are - this is only if its cross-species)

Question 6

what are the pros of genetic engineering?

Answer 6

• desirable characteristics will be present
• important in developing countries (more food)

Question 7

what are the cons of genetic engineering?

Answer 7

• impacts on local ecosystems if the produce interbreeds with normal/wild plants
• may have long term health impacts

Question 8

comparison between genetic engineering and selective breeding (cross reference if necessary)

Answer 8

GENETIC ENGINEERING
pros: - will give desired characteristic
- can have precise traits from other species rather than from its own
- speed: will happen in one generation rather than over many
however, it is disliked ethically (for the interference with nature) and the unknown health impacts long-term
SELECTIVE BREEDING
pros: - will usually give desired characteristic
- done without technical skill/laboratory help
concerns: it reduces genetic variation so disease can become more rampant if negative traits are also accidently passed down

Question 9

process of genetic engineering

Answer 9

• the gene of one organism is ‘cut out’ using RESTRICTION ENZYME leaving ‘sticky ends’
• the vector DNA is then cut open using the same restriction enzyme
• the ‘sticky ends’ from the vector DNA and the DNA you want to inserted are then combined using LIGASE enzyme
• this is recombinant DNA
• that is then inserted into other cells e.g. bacteria
• which will then reproduce/multiply (sometimes in a fermenter)

Question 10

definition of a restriction enzyme

Answer 10

enzymes which are able to cut pieces of DNA, leaving ‘sticky ends’ - both the desired gene and the DNA it will be placed into (unpaired/exposed bases)

Question 11

definition of a ligase enzyme

Answer 11

enzymes which are able to join pieces of DNA together

Question 12

why is bacteria often used?

Answer 12

it will reproduce the new recombinant DNA very quickly
their DNA is loose in the cytoplasm so it is easier to modify