Paper 2- Genetic Engineering
The stages of the method of genetic engineering are...
-The location of the section of DNA containing the gene for making the human protein insulin must be identified (it is on human chromosome number 7). -A specific enzyme is used to extract the required gene from the human chromosome. -Plasmids are then removed from bacterial cells. -The DNA of the plasmids is cut open with a specific enzyme. -The human insulin gene is inserted into each plasmid. -The plasmid acts as a vector - it is used to transfer DNA from one organism to another. -Bacterial cells are made to take up the genetically modified plasmids. -Bacterial cells that successfully take up plasmids are described as being transformed. They can also be called genetically modified organisms. The bacteria are host cells for the plasmids. -Each bacterial cell will produce a tiny mass of insulin. -By culturing the genetically modified bacteria large quantities of insulin protein can be produced and extracted.
Definition of Genetic Engineering
As well as selective breeding, humans can also use genetic engineering to control an organism's features.
Which type of organism has been successfully modified using genetic engineering in order to produce large quantities of human insulin?
Bacterium/bacteria
Which of the following techniques is NOT used to improve agricultural yields? -Genetic Modification -Genetic Engineering -Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy
What is the process that involves the artificial transfer from genes from one living organism to another?
Genetic engineering/genetic modification
What technique is used when a gene that controls beta-carotene production has been successfully inserted into a common food group?
Genetic engineering/genetic modification
There are some concerns about the effect that [...] crops have on populations of insects and wild plants.
Genetically modified
Crop plants that have had new genes inserted into them are called...
Genetically modified crops
Are genetically modified crops likely to have an [increased/decreased] yield compared to a normal crop?
Increased
What human hormone is produced in large quantities using genetically engineered bacteria?
Insulin
What human hormone is used to treat diabetes that is now produced by genetically modified organisms?
Insulin
Have all genetically modified crops been proven to be safe to eat?
No, not all of them
In which part of the bacteria cell is the human gene for insulin inserted?
Plasmid
What is the vector in this process?
Plasmid
What name is given to the small loops of DNA in the cytoplasm of bacteria?
Plasmid
In genetic engineering what is used to 'cut out' the required genes from the chromosomes?
Restriction enzyme/enzymes/endonuclease
In genetic engineering at what point is the gene transferred to the cell of the organism?
The early stages of development
True or false? Some people suspect that we haven't yet seen all of the effects that eating genetically modified crops can have on human health.
True
What is a vector in biology?
Vector (biology) Traditionally in medicine, a vector is an organism that does not cause disease itself but which spreads infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another. Species of mosquito, for example, serve as vectors for the deadly disease Malaria.
Can Genetic Engineering be used to make crop plants resistant to frost damage?
Yes
Can crop plants be genetically modified to make them resistant to herbicides?
Yes
Are there concerns about the effect of genetically modified crops on native populations of flowers and insects?
Yes- we are still yet to discover the true risks of genetically modified crops
