topic 8 - gene projects

Question 1

Describe the functions of the enzymes used to genetically modify bacteria

Answer 1

• restriction (endonuclease) enzymes used to cut plasmid
• sticky ends are formed
• ligase used to add isolated gene into plasmi
• phosphodiester bonds form between nucleotides
• recombinant DNA produced

Question 2

give a + and - of genetic modification of plants

Answer 2

pos
+ increased nutrient content
+ increased yield
+ reduced need to use pesticides
+ can be grown in a wider range of conditions

neg
- may result in genes entering pest species
- can introduce antibiotic reistance to other pest species
- moral objections to genetically modifying animals for the sole purpose of
benefiting humans
- concerns on the long term effect on human health

Question 3

describe the term personalised medicine

Answer 3

development of targeted drugs to treat a variety of human diseases in individuals with different genotypes

Question 4

discuss the ethical issues associated ith personalised medicine

Answer 4

• due to high research costs only wealthier people can afford
• debates whether insurance companies should be allowed access to this data as it could cause unfair discrimination
• some patients may be refused personalised medicine if its not predicted to be effective

Question 5

decribe the process used to produce GM organisms

Answer 5

• restriction enzymes used to isolate gene for required protein
• many copies made using PCR
• copies are inserted into plasmids using DNA ligase enzyme to catalyse
• organism grown in nutrient rich fermentors where it multiplies
• protein can be isolated and purified

Question 6

describe te process of GM plants

Answer 6

• bacteria culture made with desired characteristic integrated
• bacteria used to infect plant cells acting as a vector
• (another methid using a gene gun with pellets coated in desired gene DNA)
• gene is transferred from the bacterial cell into the plant cell nucleus
• plant grows into adult plant
• each plant cell contains gene

Question 7

how does gm of animals differ from plants

Answer 7

• ## desired gene inserted into nucleus of a zygote rather than a bacterium

Question 8

Give two reasons why some people may be concerned about the use of genetically modified
alfalfa as a source of spider silk (2)

Answer 8

• transfer of antibiotic resistance to other organisms
• may be long term risks for health