Podcast
Questions and Answers
The ______ protein produced by genetically modified corn makes it poisonous to insects.
The ______ protein produced by genetically modified corn makes it poisonous to insects.
Bt
A ______ from the Bt bacteria is added to corn to make it insect-resistant.
A ______ from the Bt bacteria is added to corn to make it insect-resistant.
gene
Genetically modified ______ produce a virus protein that makes them resistant to certain diseases.
Genetically modified ______ produce a virus protein that makes them resistant to certain diseases.
bananas
Adding ______ genes to cabbage prevents insects from eating it.
Adding ______ genes to cabbage prevents insects from eating it.
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Genetically modified crops can be ______ resistant, which means they are less likely to be affected by herbicides.
Genetically modified crops can be ______ resistant, which means they are less likely to be affected by herbicides.
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______ animals are a type of genetically modified animal that can be used for research and other purposes.
______ animals are a type of genetically modified animal that can be used for research and other purposes.
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Genetically modified ______ produce growth hormones that make them grow faster.
Genetically modified ______ produce growth hormones that make them grow faster.
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Genetically modified ______ produce less methane, making them less flatulent.
Genetically modified ______ produce less methane, making them less flatulent.
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Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s ______, which is the list of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA.
Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s ______, which is the list of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA.
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Organisms created by genetic engineering are called ______ (GMOs).
Organisms created by genetic engineering are called ______ (GMOs).
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The first genetically modified ______ were created in 1973.
The first genetically modified ______ were created in 1973.
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In 1982, the first commercial development of GMOs involved the production of ______ by bacteria.
In 1982, the first commercial development of GMOs involved the production of ______ by bacteria.
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All genetic changes affect the ______ synthesis of the organism.
All genetic changes affect the ______ synthesis of the organism.
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One of the most interesting uses for genetically modified bacteria is the production of ______, which are usually only found in fossil fuels.
One of the most interesting uses for genetically modified bacteria is the production of ______, which are usually only found in fossil fuels.
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Cyanobacteria have been modified to produce ______ and fuel (butanol) as byproducts of photosynthesis.
Cyanobacteria have been modified to produce ______ and fuel (butanol) as byproducts of photosynthesis.
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The GMO papaya, called the Rainbow papaya, is an example of how genetic engineering can be used to solve ______ problems with crops.
The GMO papaya, called the Rainbow papaya, is an example of how genetic engineering can be used to solve ______ problems with crops.
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A ______ is a small segment of DNA that contains instructions for an organism to create a single protein.
A ______ is a small segment of DNA that contains instructions for an organism to create a single protein.
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The entire set of genes for an organism is called its ______.
The entire set of genes for an organism is called its ______.
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A ______ is a distinguishing characteristic, such as resistance to certain diseases or insects.
A ______ is a distinguishing characteristic, such as resistance to certain diseases or insects.
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The basic building block of a DNA molecule is called a ______.
The basic building block of a DNA molecule is called a ______.
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A ______ is a circular DNA structure used by bacteria.
A ______ is a circular DNA structure used by bacteria.
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Study Notes
Genetic Engineering
- Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism's genome, which includes the list of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA.
- Modifying the genome allows engineers to give organisms desirable properties.
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created through genetic engineering.
GMO Development History
- 1973: First genetically modified bacteria were created.
- 1974: Genetically modified mice were created.
- 1982: First commercial development of GMOs (insulin-producing bacteria).
- 1994: Genetically modified foods began to be sold commercially.
- 2003: GMOs were widely sold as food.
GMO Process
- Genetic changes affect protein synthesis of the organism.
- Modifying which proteins are produced alters overall organismal traits.
- Genetic modification can be done through:
- Direct gene replacement (recombination)
- Gene removal
- Inserting new genetic material randomly or in targeted locations
- Altering existing genes
GMO Bacteria
- Bacteria are common GMOs due to their simple DNA structures, allowing for easy manipulation.
- One use of genetically modified bacteria is creating hydrocarbons like plastics or fuels, usually made from fossil fuels.
- Cyanobacteria can produce plastic (polyethylene) and fuel (butanol).
- E. coli bacteria can produce diesel fuel.
Engineering Plants
- Genetic engineering can modify plants to address everyday problems like hunger, weather issues, and insecticide/pollution.
GMO Papaya
- Dr. Garritt Wilder introduced the Solo papaya in Hawaii in 1910, and it became the dominant type in commercial papaya production.
- Hawaii's papaya industry was greatly impacted by the papaya ringspot virus in Oahu starting in the 1950s.
Genetically Modified Crops (2010)
- 93% of soybeans, 93% of cotton, 86% of corn, and 95% of sugar beets were genetically modified in the US.
- Bt-corn is a common example, where a gene from Bt bacteria is added to produce a protein toxic to insects.
Other Reasons to Modify Crops
- Improve insect resistance
- Enhance herbicide resistance
- Improve drought/freeze resistance
- Increase disease resistance
- Improve crop yields
- Speed up plant growth
- Enhance nutritional value
- Extend shelf life
Engineering Animals
- Discusses the potential use of genetic engineering to solve animal-related problems.
Bioluminescent Animals
- Uses: Protein tracking; disease detection using bioluminescent imaging (BLI) to identify different cell types; novelty pets (GloFish are available).
Fast-Growing Salmon
- Genes from other fish types cause these salmon to constantly produce growth hormones. This results in faster growing salmon.
Less Smelly Cows
- Modifying bacteria responsible for methane production in cattle results in a 25% reduction in cattle flatulence.
Web-Producing Goats
- Spider genes in goats enable production of spider webs/silk.
GMO Concerns
- Risks to human health and safety from unsafe genetically modified foods and animals.
- Environmental harm
- Increased pesticide/herbicide use
- Farmers' health concerns
- Seed & pollen drift
- Creation of herbicide-resistant "super weeds"
- Potential safety concerns with genetic engineering in humans
- Several countries have restrictions on GMO production and sale.
Vocabulary/Definitions
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid
- Gene: Molecular unit containing trait-related information
- Genome: Entire set of genes in an organism
- GMO: Genetically modified organism
- Nucleotide: Building block of DNA
- Plasmid: Circular DNA used by bacteria
- Protein: Large biomolecule
- Recombinant DNA: DNA with a section replaced
- Restriction enzyme: Enzyme that cuts DNA in specific sequences
- Trait: Distinguishing characteristic
What is DNA?
- DNA is a large biomolecule that contains an organism's complete genetic instructions.
- Every living cell contains DNA, as do many viruses.
- The basic building block of DNA is the nucleotide.
- A DNA molecule can contain billions of nucleotides.
What is DNA?
- DNA contains instructions for creating proteins.
- A single gene is a small segment of DNA containing instructions for a single protein.
- Thousands of genes can make up an entire set or genome, unique to the organism.
Why are Proteins Important?
- Proteins perform the work in organisms.
- Examples: Catalysts for reactions, cell signaling, transporting molecules across membranes, and creating structures.
- The instruction to make a protein is carried by the gene which when expressed is used.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of genetic engineering and the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This quiz covers key milestones in GMO history, the processes involved in genetic modification, and the implications for organisms. Test your knowledge on how genetic engineering is shaping the future of biology and agriculture.
