Basics of Genetic Engineering Quiz

Genetic Engineering in Medicine

• Genetic engineering is utilized to develop therapies and medications, including the creation of genetically modified organisms that can produce human proteins.
• Examples include the engineering of bacteria to produce insulin for diabetes treatment.

Environmental Influence on Genes

• Environmental factors such as temperature, nutrition, and exposure to toxins can alter gene expression and influence organism behavior.
• The interaction between genes and environment can result in phenotypic variations, affecting adaptability and survival.

Purpose of Edible Vaccines

• Edible vaccines aim to provide an alternative method of immunization by incorporating antigens into common food crops.
• This approach enhances accessibility, reduces costs, and eliminates the need for needles.

Not a Common Application in Medicine

• Certain genetic modifications, primarily for aesthetic enhancements in organisms, do not constitute a common medical application of genetic engineering.

Animal Models of Human Disease

• Creating genetically modified animal models helps researchers understand disease mechanisms and test new treatments that may lead to effective therapies.

Advantage of Producing Human Proteins

• A key advantage of using genetic engineering for producing human proteins like insulin is the ability to produce large quantities in a cost-effective manner.

Controversial Form of Genetic Engineering

• Genetic modifications for reproductive purposes, such as designer babies or germline editing, are cited as among the most controversial practices in the field.

Intrinsic Concerns of Genetic Engineering

• Concerns about the potential unpredictability of genetic changes, which could result in unintended consequences for ecosystems and organisms, are intrinsic to genetic engineering.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Genetic Engineering

• Ethical dilemmas arise from modifications that could affect human traits or the natural order, raising questions about identity, consent, and long-term impacts.

Application of Growth Hormones

• Genetic engineering applications that utilize growth hormones to enhance size are common in livestock, promoting rapid growth and larger yields.

Common Extrinsic Concerns

• Public fears regarding genetic engineering often revolve around unforeseen long-term consequences, potential health risks, and the impact on biodiversity.

Ethical Concern of Patenting Life Forms

• The notion of patenting life forms raises significant ethical questions, including the morality of owning genetically modified organisms and implications for biodiversity and natural resources.