24 Questions
What is the term used to describe an organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered in a way that does not occur naturally?
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
What is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome to alter the genetic makeup of an organism?
Genetic modification
What is the term used to describe a gene that has been transferred from one organism to another?
Transgene
What has been used for thousands of years to modify crops and animals?
Traditional breeding practices
What is the percentage of processed foods in the U.S. that are genetically modified?
60% to 70%
What was developed from a wild species called teosinte?
Maize
What is the term used to describe the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products?
Biotechnology
How long have humans been manipulating DNA in plants and animals?
Millennia
What is one of the benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture?
Increasing pest and disease resistance
What is the main focus of nanoscience and nanotechnology?
Application of exceptionally small things in various fields
What is one of the uses of genetic engineering?
Production of drugs
What organization conducted a comprehensive review of genetic engineering and its effects?
US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine
What is an example of a genetically modified crop?
Starlink corn
What is a potential application of genetic engineering?
Growing food in harsh climates
What is a benefit of genetically modified organisms?
Increased food supply
What is a potential benefit of genetic engineering?
Enhanced nutrition in food
What is the primary function of genes in the human body?
To provide the information for the production of specific proteins and enzymes
What is a genetic disorder?
A condition caused by an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence
What is the main goal of gene therapy?
To introduce a 'good' gene into a person to fight or prevent a disease
What is the difference between somatic gene therapy and germline gene therapy?
Somatic gene therapy affects only targeted cells, while germline gene therapy affects all cells in the body
What is ex vivo gene therapy?
A type of gene therapy where cells are modified outside the body and then transplanted back in again
What is in vivo gene therapy?
A type of gene therapy where genes are changed in cells still in the body
What is the advantage of somatic gene therapy?
It is more conservative and safer because it affects only targeted cells
What is the primary purpose of gene therapy in treating diseases?
To introduce a 'good' gene into a person to fight or prevent a disease
Study Notes
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology: the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products
- Genetic engineering: the direct manipulation of an organism's genome to alter its genetic makeup
- Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): an organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered in a way that does not occur naturally
History of Genetic Modification
- Humans have modified crops and animals for thousands of years using traditional breeding practices (selective breeding or artificial selection)
- Most livestock, crops, and pets were developed by genetically modifying the traits of wild species
- Maize was developed from a wild species called teosinte around 8,000 years ago
Genetically Modified Foods
- Experts say 60-70% of processed foods on U.S. grocery shelves have genetically modified ingredients
- Examples of genetically modified foods: Starlink corn
Benefits of Genetic Engineering
- Enhanced nutrition
- Increased food supply (cheaper production cost)
- Increased pest and disease resistance (reduced pesticides)
- Grow food in harsh climate
- Make drugs
Scientific Consensus on GE Crops
- 2016 report by US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine (NASEM) reviewed over 900 research articles
- No evidence of ecological harm from genetic transfer to wild species
- No evidence of harm to human health compared to traditionally-breed crops
Nanotechnology
- Refers to the science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale
- Involves the study and application of exceptionally small things in other areas of science
Gene Therapy
- Involves the manipulation of genes to fight or prevent diseases
- Introduces a "good" gene into a person who has a disease caused by a "bad" gene
- Two types of gene therapy:
- Somatic Gene Therapy: introduces a "good" gene into targeted cells to treat the patient
- Ex vivo: cells are modified outside the body and then transplanted back in again
- In vivo: genes are changed in cells still in the body
- Somatic Gene Therapy: introduces a "good" gene into targeted cells to treat the patient
This quiz covers the basics of biotechnology and genetic engineering, including the difference between artificial selection and natural selection, and the process of genetic modification.
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