Genetic Engineering

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  • Created by: joshd
  • Created on: 11-03-14 17:55
Explain how genetic engineering is done.
1) A useful gene is cut out from one organism's chromosome using enzymes. 2) Enzymes are then used to cut another organism's chromosome and then to insert the useful gene. 3)This technique produces genetically modified (GM) organisms.
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Describe how genetic engineering can reduce vitamin A dificiency,
Beta-carotene is used by our bodies to make vitamin A. Golden Rice is a variety of GM rice, which contains two genes from other organisms which together enable the rice to produce beta-carotene.Growing it reduces the amount who suffer from Vit.A defi
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Describe how genetic engineering can produce human insulin
The human insulin gene can be inserted into bacteria to produce human insulin. Lots of human insulin can be produced quickly and cheaply to treat diabetes.
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Describe how genetic engineering can increase crop yield
GM crops have had their genes modified, e.g to make them resistant to herbicides. Fields of these crops can be sprayed with a herbicide and all the plants except the GM crop are killed, which can increase yield of a crop, making more food.
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Name the concerns about GM crops (1)
Some say that growing GM crops will affect the number of weeds and flowers (and therefore wildlife) that usually lives in around the crops - reducing farmland biodiversity.
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Name the concerns about GM crops (2)
Not everyone is convinced that GM crops are safe. People worry that may develop allergies to the food - although there's probably no more risk for this than for eating usual foods.
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Name the concerns about GM crops (3)
Big concern = transplanted genes may get out into the natural environment. E.g., the herbicide resistance gene may be picked up by weeds, creating a new 'superweed' variety.
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Card 2

Front

Describe how genetic engineering can reduce vitamin A dificiency,

Back

Beta-carotene is used by our bodies to make vitamin A. Golden Rice is a variety of GM rice, which contains two genes from other organisms which together enable the rice to produce beta-carotene.Growing it reduces the amount who suffer from Vit.A defi

Card 3

Front

Describe how genetic engineering can produce human insulin

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Describe how genetic engineering can increase crop yield

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Name the concerns about GM crops (1)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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