Download Vector - Manhasset Public Schools

What are some other applications of genetically
engineered organisms?
1) What is a Genetically Modified Organism
(GMO)?
Is any organism that has acquired one or more genes
by artificial means.
A GMO is said to be transgenic.
This means that the GMO contains
DNA from different species.
2) What are the benefits to genetically modify
plants and animals?
1)To make pesticide resistant plants.
2)GM plants can produce natural pesticide.
3)To increase vitamin content.
4)To make food last longer.
5)Getting food to the market faster.
3) Some Examples of GM Plants:
a) Golden Rice is genetically
modified so it contains
genes from daffodils to
increase the production of
beta-carotene (an important
precursor of Vitamin A).
Some examples of GM Plants:
b) Scientists have also genetically modified sweet corn
so it contains genes from a bacteria that allow the
corn to produce a natural pesticide.
4) How do scientists genetically modify plants?
Example of a GM Animal:
These two salmon are the same age, but the GM
salmon grew at about twice the rate.
**It is more difficult to genetically modify animals than
plants.
5) What are the risks of GMOs?
1) Increase in food toxicity.
2)The creation of new allergens.
3) Reduced nutritional content.
4) Create antibiotic resistance.
6) What is Gene Therapy?
We rely on our genes functioning correctly, so when
a gene is missing or not functioning, a disease can
result.
Gene therapy is a way of putting the correct gene
back into our cells.
7) How is it done?
Vector- carries the
new gene to the
cells.
Will this individual produce offspring with the
normal gene?
No, because the sex cells were not altered.
8) Challenges of Gene Therapy:
1)The vector itself could cause the individual to
become sick.
2) The gene has to be delivered to
many & the right kinds of cells.
3)The gene needs to be inserted in
The right part of the cell’s genome.
4) The gene, once present, needs to be expressed.