PCR Technique — Flashcards & Quiz

Q1: What is a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism contains a gene (transgene) from a different species, inserted using genetic engineering. The transgene is expressed, giving the organism a new trait.

Q2: Describe CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a precise gene editing tool. A guide RNA directs the Cas9 enzyme to a specific DNA sequence, where it cuts both strands. The cell's repair mechanisms then delete, replace, or insert DNA at the cut site. It is faster, cheaper and more accurate than older techniques.

Q3: Compare reproductive and therapeutic cloning.

Reproductive cloning: creates a genetically identical organism (e.g. Dolly the sheep) by inserting a somatic cell nucleus into an enucleated egg, then implanting the embryo. Therapeutic cloning: creates embryonic stem cells for medical treatment — the embryo is NOT implanted. Used to grow replacement tissues.

Q4: What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy treats genetic disorders by introducing, altering or replacing genes within a patient's cells. Somatic gene therapy targets body cells (not heritable). Germline gene therapy targets egg/sperm cells (heritable but ethically controversial and banned in many countries).

Q5: What are the ethical concerns surrounding genetic technologies?

Key concerns: 1) Germline editing affects future generations without consent. 2) "Designer babies" and eugenics risks. 3) Ecological impacts of GMOs. 4) Equitable access to gene therapies (cost). 5) Animal welfare in cloning. 6) Patenting of genes and organisms.

Q1: Transgenic organisms contain genes from a different species.

Answer: TRUE

A transgenic organism has a gene (transgene) from another species inserted into its genome using genetic engineering techniques.

Q2: CRISPR-Cas9 can only delete genes, not insert or replace them.

Answer: FALSE

CRISPR-Cas9 can delete, replace, or insert DNA sequences at specific locations. Its versatility is a key advantage over older techniques.

Q3: Therapeutic cloning creates an embryo that is implanted and grows into a full organism.

Answer: FALSE

Therapeutic cloning creates embryonic stem cells for medical treatment — the embryo is NOT implanted. Reproductive cloning implants the embryo to produce a whole organism.