| What is Genetic Engineering, Briefly? | -This is simply the Process of Moving Genes, that has the Desired Characteristic, from One Organism to Another Organism
-This gives the Organism [That had been given the Gene] the Characteristic |
| What is a Vector, in Genetic Engineering? | -This is simply something that Transfers DNA into the Cell
-Plasmids are a really common Example, as well as Viruses |
| How does Genetic Engineering work? | 1. DNA you want to Insert [Gene that has the Desired Characteristic] is cut off using Restriction Enzymes
2. Plasmid is also Cut Open using Restriction Enzymes
3. The DNA that was just Cut Out has Sticky Endings [Tails that have Unpaired Bases, that Complement each other]
4. Plasmid and DNA Piece is Mixed with Ligase Enzymes, which Join them up Together
5. Plasmid becomes a Vector, as its used to Infect other Cells, which makes them into Hosts.
6. Plasmid then is Inserted into a Host Cell [Bacteria] which is then Inserted in the Organisms
7. Host Cell enters the Organisms Cells and then the Gene the Plasmid has been Carrying is put to Work |
| How do Restriction Enzymes work? | -They simply spot Specific Sequences of the DNA, and cut it in those Spots [Figures out the Gene] |
| How can you tell if the 'Host Cell' has the Desired Gene? | -As well as inserting the Desired Characteristic, an Antibiotic Resistance is also Inserted to the Vector
-This means the Bacteria, that has been infected by the Vector is Resistant to that Antibiotic
-Said Antibiotic will then kill the Bacteria that hasn't been Infected by the Vector, as its not Resistant |
| What is Agrobacterium Tumefaciens used for? | -This is simply making Crops that have Desired Characteristics |
| Explain what needs to happen to Genetically Modify a Plant | -First, get the Desired Gene [By using Restriction and Ligase Enzymes] and infect it into a Vector [Plasmid]
-This Plasmid that was just Infected came from Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, so be kind and Place it Back There
-This Bacterium will then enter the Plant Cell, and insert its Genes there |
| What are the Advantages of GM Crops? | -Crop Yields is Massively Improved
-Many Pests can be Eradicated with Toxins that does Nothing to Humans [Bt Toxin]
-It can combat Deficiency Diseases, as it can just give certain Foods more Nutrients // Other Nutrients [Vitamins A, Vitamins D |
| What are the Disadvantages of GM Crops? | -Transplanted Genes may Get Out into the Environment, meaning other Crops or Weeds will get Genes that make it more Annoying to deal with
-Food Chains and Human Health may be Affected, although its worth to note not a lot of Evidence has been Made Yet, because its very New Technology
-Farmland Biodiversity will Reduce, as again you only want the Crops that you have Picked [Reducing the Genepool] |
| What are the Ethical Issues surrounding Genetic Engineering | -Genetically Engineering Crops and Organisms may anger some People, as its just use for Human Benefit and not for Animals
-People are worried for a Dystopia, where Genetic Engineering dominates the World, creating an Underclass for those who aren't Modified
-Some say its just Stupid, as we don't yet fully know the Risks of it yet |
