Genetic engineering

Question 1

What is recombinant DNA?

Answer 1

Fragments of foreign DNA are inserted into other sections of DNA

Question 2

Are transcription and translation universal processes?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What is a transgenic organism?

Answer 3

One that received the DNA fragment

Question 4

What are the uses of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA?

Answer 4

GM plants- disease/adverse condition resistant

GM livestock- grow larger/faster

Increased nutritional value of food- e.g golden rice

Treating disease- Produce medicine/hormones to treat a disease

Industry- Create enzymes used to make cheese etc

Question 5

What is a restriction endonuclease?

Answer 5

Enzyme that produces the DNA fragments

Question 6

How do restriction endonuclease enzymes produce the DNA fragments?

Answer 6

Restriction endonucleases bind to a specific recognition sequence on either side of the target gene.

The target gene is cut out of DNA

Question 7

What is a recognition sequence?

Answer 7

Sections of DNA with anti-parallel base pairs

Used to isolate target gene

Question 8

What are the ethical concerns of genetic engineering?

Answer 8

Genes from transgenic crops spreading to organic crops

Transfer of GM to other organisms where its harmful, e.g antibiotic resistance to bacteria

Reduce genetic diversity

Unforeseen impacts

Enables selection of specific traits in babies