Gene editing & genetic modification
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Question
What is genetic modification?
Answer
Deliberately changing an organism's DNA — for example by **adding a gene** from another organism or **editing** an existing gene.
Question
What is a transgenic organism?
Answer
A GM organism that carries a gene **transferred from a different species**.
Question
What does a restriction enzyme do?
Answer
**Cuts** DNA at a specific recognition sequence, often leaving short single-stranded **sticky ends**.
Question
What does DNA ligase do?
Answer
**Joins** two pieces of DNA by re-forming the **sugar–phosphate backbone** — it seals the gene into the vector.
Question
What is a vector in gene transfer?
Answer
A small loop of DNA (often a bacterial **plasmid**) that **carries a gene into a host cell**.
Question
What is recombinant DNA?
Answer
A single DNA molecule made by **joining DNA from two different sources** (e.g. a plasmid with a new gene added).
Question
Why is the same restriction enzyme used to cut the gene and the vector?
Answer
So both have the **same, matching sticky ends**, which are **complementary** and can base-pair together before ligase seals them.
Question
Name the correct order of tools in gene transfer.
Answer
Restriction enzyme **cuts** → DNA ligase **joins** (recombinant DNA) → vector **carries** the gene into the host → host **expresses** it.
Question
What is transformation in genetic engineering?
Answer
The **uptake of the recombinant plasmid (vector) by a host cell**, after which the gene is expressed.
Question
How does CRISPR-Cas9 find the DNA to cut?
Answer
A **guide RNA** base-pairs with the chosen target sequence and leads the **Cas9** protein there to **cut** the DNA.
Question
How is CRISPR-Cas9 different from classic gene transfer?
Answer
CRISPR **edits / knocks out a gene already in the cell**, rather than **adding** a foreign gene.
Question
Give one advantage of a GM crop.
Answer
Higher **yield**, less crop lost to weeds/pests, less spraying, or more nutritious / drought-tolerant crops.
Question
Give one concern about GM crops.
Answer
GM genes could **spread to wild plants**, long-term effects are **uncertain**, seeds are **patented/costly**, or there are **ethical** objections.
Question
Which enzyme cuts DNA and which joins it?
Answer
**Restriction enzyme cuts**; **DNA ligase joins**.
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Topic 4.3 hub
Mutations and gene editing
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