Genetic Engineering Answers

The diagram below shows the process of genetic engineering.

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Genetic engineering is used to produce large quantities of human insulin to help treat diabetes.

1. Explain how scientists can transfer the gene for human insulin into a bacterial cell.

The insulin gene is isolated from human DNA using restriction enzymes. It is inserted
into a bacterial plasmid known as a vector, which has also been isolated by restriction
enzymes. The plasmid is then transferred into a bacterial cell which will multiply many
times. Each bacterial cell can produce human insulin.

Advantages of Genetic Engineering Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering

GM crops have bigger yields and therefore
Nobody can be sure of the long-term effects
have increased food value. This may help us
of eating GM food on human health.
to address an expanding population.
Genetically modified animals and plants can Pesticide-producing crops may result in
grow faster. insects developing resistance to pesticides.
Genes from GM crops or animals could
We can mass produce human proteins.
spread to species in the wild.
GM crops can grow in dry, hot, cold or
People worry that this may lead to the
flooded parts of the world. This may help us
manipulation of human genes to make
to manage the effects of global warming on
‘designer’ children.
agriculture.
science

GM crops can produce their own pesticide,
can be resistant to herbicides or can contain
specific nutrients.
Models of human diseases can help us to
BEYOND
GM crops could reduce biodiversity if they
affect the food chain, for example, by
resistance to certain pests.

develop treatments.

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め Genetic Engineering Answers

When writing an evaluation, you should give at least two advantages and two disadvantages.
You should finish with a conclusion where you give your opinion. Remember to link it to the
advantages and disadvantages you gave.

2. Evaluate the use of genetic engineering in producing GM crops.

Advantages:

* GM crops can produce their own pesticide or can be resistant to herbicides. This
can reduce the work for the farmer.

* GM crops can contain specific nutrients which can help us to address nutrient
deficiencies.

- GM crops have bigger yields and can grow faster. They therefore have increased
food value.

* GM crops can grow in areas where the climate doesn't usually suit their growth.

Disadvantages:

« Nobody can be sure of the long-term effects of eating GM food on human or animal
health.

* Genes from GM crops or animals could spread to species in the wild.

° GM crops could reduce biodiversity if they affect the food chain, for example, by
resistance to certain pests.

Conclusion: justification based on a comparison of at least one advantage and one

disadvantage.
science
BEYOND

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