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IGCSE_Biology_Genetic_Engineering_Expanded

Chapter 21 of the IGCSE Biology Flashcards covers genetic engineering, detailing its definition, steps, uses, advantages, and disadvantages. It explains the role of vectors and enzymes in the process, and provides examples such as insulin production and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The chapter highlights both the potential benefits and ethical concerns associated with genetic engineering.

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5 views

IGCSE_Biology_Genetic_Engineering_Expanded

Chapter 21 of the IGCSE Biology Flashcards covers genetic engineering, detailing its definition, steps, uses, advantages, and disadvantages. It explains the role of vectors and enzymes in the process, and provides examples such as insulin production and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The chapter highlights both the potential benefits and ethical concerns associated with genetic engineering.

Uploaded by

shaikaahilrayanmeer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IGCSE Biology Flashcards – Chapter 21: Genetic Engineering

Flashcard 1: What is Genetic Engineering?


Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the genetic material of an organism by
inserting a gene from another organism. This is done to give the organism a desirable trait,
such as producing insulin or resistance to pests.

Flashcard 2: Steps in Genetic Engineering


1. Identify the gene that codes for the desired characteristic (e.g., human insulin).
2. Use enzymes to cut out this gene from the DNA.
3. Use the same enzymes to cut open a plasmid (a small circular DNA from bacteria).
4. Insert the gene into the plasmid using a ligase enzyme.
5. The plasmid now acts as a vector and is inserted into a bacterium.
6. The bacterium is allowed to reproduce, creating many copies that produce the desired
product.

Flashcard 3: Uses of Genetic Engineering


- Producing human insulin using genetically modified bacteria.
- Making crops resistant to pests or diseases (e.g., Bt corn).
- Creating genetically modified animals for medical research.
- Producing enzymes or hormones for industry and medicine.

Flashcard 4: Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering


**Advantages:**
- Can treat diseases by producing useful medicines.
- Increases crop yield and resistance to pests.
- Faster than traditional breeding methods.

**Disadvantages:**
- May cause unexpected effects on the environment.
- Ethical concerns about modifying organisms.
- GM crops may cross-breed with wild plants.

Flashcard 5: What are Vectors?


Vectors are carriers used to transfer genetic material into a cell. The most common vectors
are plasmids (small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria) and viruses. These vectors
carry the inserted gene into the host cell, where it can be expressed.

Flashcard 6: Restriction and Ligase Enzymes


Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, producing 'sticky ends'. Ligase enzymes
are used to join these sticky ends together. This allows the gene of interest to be inserted
into a plasmid vector.
Flashcard 7: What are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose DNA has been altered using genetic
engineering techniques. Examples include crops like Bt corn (which produces its own
pesticide) and golden rice (which contains added vitamin A genes).

Flashcard 8: Example – Insulin Production


1. The gene for human insulin is identified and cut using a restriction enzyme.
2. A plasmid is cut with the same enzyme and the insulin gene is inserted.
3. The recombinant plasmid is introduced into a bacterial cell.
4. Bacteria multiply and produce insulin, which is harvested and purified for medical use.

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