Transcript Genetic Modification - School

Genetic Modification
(Genetic Engineering)
This process describes the removal of
genes from one organism/species and
insertion into another organism.
http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/makin
g_insulin.htm
Genetic Modification
(Genetic engineering)
Main stages
1. Isolation of the required gene
(e.g. insulin gene). This is cut out of the
DNA using enzymes
2. Inserting the gene into a plasmids.
3. Transferring the gene to bacteria and/or
other organisms.
Cut and stick sheet and questions
Genetic Modification of crop plants
Crop plants can be genetically modified in a
number of ways , including resistance to
disease, insect attack or herbicides.
E.g. These GM plants have specific genes inserted
into them so that they can destroy fungi, etc.
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Modified tomato
http://ology.amnh.org/genetics/index.html
genetic modification
http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/flash/g
mgame.swf
Advantages and concerns of
GM crop plants
Advantages
•Increased Yield
•Less wastage
•Increased profit
•Plants can be grown in
poor conditions
•Plants grown containing
genes that improve
health
Concerns
•Unknown long term
effects on health
•Transfer of genes into
wild populations of
flowers
•Destruction of natural
food chains/species.
GM MAIZE
1. Why are herbicides widely used by
farmers in Europe and the USA?
2. Why do farmers in African countries make less
use of herbicides?
3. Draw up a table to show possible benefits of
herbicide-tolerant maize to, (a) farmers,
(b) the environment, (c) consumers.
4. What are the concerns with GM crops such as
herbicide-tolerant maize?