Definitions
Organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering are known as :
genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
What method did farmers use for years to produce desired traits
Artificial selection
Name a benefit of genetic engineering
It can help treat diseases, improve crops, or help with conservation/protecting endangered species
What is one reason farmers use genetically modified crops?
To help protect crops from insects, disease, and weeds, and to reduce crop loss
What molecule is directly modified during genetic engineering?
DNA
The process of modifying phenotypes by directly manipulating the genetic material.
Genetic engineering
What is one reason genetic engineering became important in modern agriculture?
allowed scientists to produce more desirable traits more directly and quickly.
Name one concern about genetic engineering
Environmental effects,
unexpected effects
ethical concerns
Name one genetically modified crop talked about during presentation
Banana, American chestnut, tomatoes
What are the 4 bases that make up DNA?
Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine ( A,T,C, and G)
_______________ is when humans choose which individuals will reproduce based on specific traits they want to see in future generations.
Artificial selection
When did genetically engineered crops begin increasing rapidly?
1970-1980s.
What is one reason farmers use genetically modified crops?
It could reduce the need for some spray pesticides, helping farmers protect their crops while reducing pesticide use.
What is one environmental concern related to GMOs?
Modified genes could potentially spread to other populations or affect ecosystems.
Why does genetic engineering allow scientists to get a desired trait faster than traditional breeding?
scientists can directly modify an organism's genetic material instead of waiting for the desired traits to be inherited through multiple generations of breeding.
__________ is a field of science that involves redesigning organisms for useful purposes by giving them new abilities.
synthetic biology
What was one of the first major uses of artificial selection by humans?
Farmers used artificial selection to create domesticated crops and animals with desirable traits.
Why might genetic engineering raise ethical concerns?
It raises questions about how far genetic engineering should be used and whether changing traits beyond treating diseases is appropriate.
What is one possible benefit and one possible ecological risk of using genetic engineering for conservation?
A benefit could be protecting endangered species or controlling invasive species.
A risk could be the unintended effects on ecosystems or the spread of modified genes.
Why might a scientist add a gene to an organism?
To introduce a DNA sequence that can give the organism a new or desired trait.
Give an organism a desired trait
A __________ is a genetic system that can cause a particular genetic trait to spread through a population faster than normal inheritance.
gene drive
What is one major difference between traditional artificial selection and genetic engineering?
Artificial selection relies on selective breeding over generations,
Genetic engineering directly modifies an organism's genetic material.
What might be some ethical considerations about the use of genetic engineering in regard to ecological impacts?
Concerns include:
unintended effects on ecosystems,
the spread of modified genes,
possible loss of biodiversity,
whether humans should have the power to intentionally change natural populations
How can genetic engineering help increase food production?
Genetic engineering can make crops more resistant to pests and diseases and better able to survive droughts or floods.
What is CRISPR used for in genetic engineering?
CRISPR can be used to modify specific genes in an organism's DNA.