What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Genetic engineering involves inserting, deleting, or modifying genes in an organism's genome using molecular tools

CRISPR-Cas9 is a modern gene-editing tool that acts like molecular scissors, cutting DNA at specific sequences with high precision

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture may produce pest-resistant crops, higher yields, or enhanced nutritional profiles

Ethical considerations include risks to biodiversity, equity of access to biotechnology, and the potential for "designer" organisms

Key Vocabulary

Genetic engineering

The deliberate modification of an organism's genome using biotechnology to alter traits or introduce new functions

CRISPR-Cas9

A precise gene-editing technology that uses a guide RNA to direct a Cas9 protein to cut DNA at a specific location

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

An organism whose DNA has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or recombination

Recombinant DNA

DNA formed by combining sequences from two or more sources, used to produce proteins such as insulin

Knowledge Check

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

Question 1

Which technology is often described as "molecular scissors" for its ability to cut DNA at specific locations?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) CRISPR-Cas9 Gel electrophoresis DNA sequencing

Question 2

Insulin for diabetics was one of the first commercial products of genetic engineering. How was recombinant insulin produced?

By extracting insulin from pigs and purifying it By chemically synthesising insulin from amino acids in a laboratory By inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria, which then produce human insulin By modifying plant cells to produce insulin in their leaves

Question 3

Which of the following is a legitimate ethical concern about GMO crops?

GMO crops are always less nutritious than conventional crops GMO crops always harm humans who eat them All GMO research is conducted without regulation Modified genes could spread to wild plants, potentially affecting biodiversity

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology