A
How many chromosomes does a person have, and where do they come from?
A person has 46 chromosomes: 23 from their mother and 23 from their father.
What is gene editing?
It is the process of removing or replacing faulty genes.
What examples of characteristics could parents possibly choose for their unborn children?
They might choose how strong the child will be, the colour of their hair, or whether they have brown or green eyes.
What are some things people might want to change about themselves?
They might want to grow taller, run faster, learn languages more quickly, or live longer.
How could gene editing change the future of medicine?
It could help prevent or possibly end life-threatening diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
What does the author suggest could become possible with gene editing in the future?
People might be able to prevent diseases and choose certain characteristics of their children.
What are genes, according to the text?
Genes are information in our body that is passed from our parents.
How could gene editing help an unborn child?
Scientists could remove or replace faulty genes before a disease develops.
Why does the author mention genetically modified food in the text?
To show that genetic modification already exists and is part of our lives, suggesting that genetic technology may become even more advanced in the future.
What is the relationship between chromosomes, DNA and genes?
Chromosomes are made up of DNA, and a gene is a short section of DNA.
Why does the text say that our characteristics do not come only from our genes?
Because some characteristics come from our environment as well.
What is the connection between faulty genes and the idea of “a world without disease”?
If scientists can remove or replace genes that cause diseases before they develop, some diseases could potentially be prevented, bringing us closer to a world without disease.
Why can a faulty gene cause a disease?
Because genes determine certain characteristics and need to function properly; when they don't, they can cause disease.
Why might gene editing be controversial even if it can prevent diseases?
Because scientists might also use it to choose characteristics of unborn children, creating so-called “designer babies,” which raises questions about what is right and wrong.
Why does the author mention both cancer and heart disease when explaining the possible benefits of gene editing?
To give serious, real-life examples of life-threatening diseases that gene editing could potentially help prevent or end.