GMO's and biotechnology

What is genetic modification?

The process of taking genes from one organism and inserting them into another organism

What is biotechnology?

A branch of science that uses living organisms to create useful products for humans

What is genetic engineering?

The science of altering an organism’s genes to improve it

What does GMO stand for?

Genetically Modified Organism

What is a GMO?

A living organism whose DNA has been altered using biotechnology in a way that wouldn't happen naturally

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA that contains genetic material from two different sources

What is the purpose of creating GMOs?

To transfer desirable traits like disease resistance or higher yield into other organisms

Which bacterium is commonly genetically modified to produce insulin?

E. coli

What is the role of insulin in the body?

It helps the body use sugar to produce energy

What disease requires insulin treatment?

Diabetes

How is insulin produced using GM bacteria?

A human gene for insulin is inserted into bacterial DNA, and the bacteria produce insulin

What are some products made using genetically modified bacteria?

Growth hormones, hepatitis B vaccine proteins, insulin

How are genetically modified plants beneficial?

They can be more nutritious, drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and have higher yields

What are some traits genetically engineered into plants?

Disease resistance, herbicide resistance, improved nutritional value

How are genetically modified animals created?

By injecting a gene from one species into the fertilised egg of another

What is an example of a genetically modified animal?

Sheep that produce clotting factor IX in their milk

What is clotting factor IX used for?

Treating the blood clotting disorder haemophilia

What are some ethical benefits of genetic modification?

Treating genetic disorders, increasing crop yields, reducing environmental impact

What are some ethical concerns of genetic modification?

Possibility of designer babies, social inequality, environmental risks

Why is genetic modification controversial?

It raises questions about fairness, long-term safety, and natural balance

What is the first step in creating genetically modified insulin-producing bacteria?

Removing and cutting open a plastid from E. coli

Why is recombinant DNA important?

It allows genes from different organisms to be combined for beneficial traits

How does genetic engineering help in agriculture?

It creates crops that are stronger, more nutritious, and pest-resistant

What is one medical application of genetic engineering?

Producing insulin or clotting factors using genetically modified organisms

Why might genetically modified crops cause environmental concern?

They could affect wild plant populations or lead to resistant pests

What is the ethical issue with 'designer babies'?

It may create inequality and alter natural human diversity

Figure 1: Recombinant DNA.

Figure 2: Genetically modified bacteria produce human insulin.