What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Recombinant DNA technology: inserting genes from one organism into another to produce useful proteins

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies small DNA samples for analysis

CRISPR gene editing allows precise modification of DNA sequences in living cells

Ethical considerations: GMOs, gene therapy, and genetic privacy raise social questions

Key Vocabulary

Biotechnology

The use of biological systems or living organisms to develop products and processes

Recombinant DNA

DNA formed by combining genetic material from two different organisms

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique that amplifies small quantities of DNA to produce many copies

CRISPR

A gene-editing tool that allows precise modifications to DNA sequences

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Genetically engineered bacteria can produce human insulin. This is an example of:

Natural selection Selective breeding Asexual reproduction Recombinant DNA technology

Question 2

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used to:

Amplify small samples of DNA to produce many copies Synthesise new proteins Edit genes using molecular scissors Separate DNA fragments by size

Question 3

Which is a legitimate ethical concern about CRISPR gene editing in humans?

CRISPR only works on plants Gene editing could have unintended off-target effects or lead to designer babies CRISPR cannot change any meaningful traits Gene editing is too expensive for any practical use

Biotechnology Applications