Genetics, Inheritance, and Stem Cell Research

Vocabulary flashcards covering bacterial insulin production, arguments surrounding genetic modification, and stem cell research based on Grade 12 CAPS genetics notes.

Embryonic stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the same genetic code and possess the potential to differentiate to form any tissue or organ in the body.

Zygote

The initial single cell from which all of the approximately 75 to 100 million, million cells in a human body develop through mitosis.

Plasmid

A bacterial cell structure that is cut to allow the insertion of a target gene, such as the human insulin gene from a pancreas cell.

Islets of Langerhans

Pancreatic structures containing beta cells that can be replaced using stem cells if damaged or diseased.

Arguments for genetic modification

Cheaper production of medication, creation of pest-resistant and drought-resistant plants, increased crop yields for food security, and increased shelf life of fruit and vegetables.

Arguments against genetic modification

High initial costs, ethical concerns of interfering with nature or playing God, potential health impacts, and unknown long-term effects of using GMOs.

Insulin production using bacteria

A biotechnological process where an insulin gene from a human pancreas cell is inserted into a bacterial plasmid, allowing the multiplying bacteria to produce insulin.