Question

Genetic engineering a. can be used to make many copies of recombinant DNA introduced into a host cell. b. can be used to alter the inherited characteristics of an organism. c. raises ethical questions in the minds of some people. d. all of the above

Short answer

d. all of the above

Step-by-step solution

Read each statement

Examine each individual statement provided in the exercise to understand their individual meanings and implications.

Evaluate statement a

Determine if genetic engineering can be used to make many copies of recombinant DNA introduced into a host cell. Genetic engineering includes techniques like cloning and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which support this statement.

Evaluate statement b

Consider if genetic engineering can be used to alter the inherited characteristics of an organism. Processes such as CRISPR and gene therapy involve editing genes, which indeed alter inherited characteristics.

Evaluate statement c

Reflect on whether genetic engineering raises ethical questions. There are ongoing debates regarding the ethics of modifying organisms' genomes, indicating this statement is valid.

Combine evaluations

Since statements a, b, and c are all true, genetic engineering meets all the listed criteria. Therefore, the best answer encompasses all the individual statements.

Select the correct option

Based on the evaluations, select the option that correctly states the answer. In this case, option d, 'all of the above,' is accurate.

Key concepts

recombinant DNA

Recombinant DNA refers to the DNA molecules that have been created by combining DNA from different sources. This is a powerful tool in genetic engineering.
Scientists use it to introduce new traits into organisms. For example, a gene from a fish could be inserted into a plant to make it more resistant to cold temperatures.
There are several steps involved in creating recombinant DNA:

• First, the desired gene is identified and isolated.
• Then, it is cut out using special enzymes called restriction enzymes.
• The gene is then inserted into a vector, usually a plasmid, which is a small DNA molecule within a cell that can replicate independently.
• Finally, the plasmid is introduced into a host organism, typically bacteria, where it can be copied and expressed.

Recombinant DNA technology has many applications, from creating insulin for diabetes patients to developing genetically modified crops.

inherited characteristics

Inherited characteristics are traits that are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes. These traits can include physical attributes like eye color, hair color, and even behavioral tendencies.
Genetic engineering can alter these inherited characteristics by changing the genetic makeup of an organism. For example, CRISPR can be used to edit the genes of an embryo, leading to changes in the characteristics the organism will have when it grows up.
Altering inherited characteristics through genetic engineering comes with promises and risks:

• It can potentially eliminate genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
• It can also lead to unintended consequences, such as the loss of genetic diversity.

ethical questions

Genetic engineering raises a number of ethical questions. Some people believe that altering the genetic makeup of organisms is unnatural and could have unforeseen consequences.
There are several key ethical concerns:

• Playing God: Some argue that humans should not have the power to change the fundamental characteristics of living organisms.
• Genetic Equity: There is a fear that genetic modifications could lead to social inequalities, where only the wealthy have access to genetic enhancements.
• Environmental Impact: Genetically modified organisms might interact with natural ecosystems in unpredictable ways, possibly causing ecological imbalances.
• Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of genetic modifications are not fully understood, raising questions about the potential for unintended harm.

These ethical questions must be thoughtfully considered as we advance further in genetic engineering.

cloning

Cloning is a method used to make identical copies of an organism, cell, or gene. There are two main types of cloning:

• Reproductive Cloning: This type of cloning creates a new organism that is genetically identical to the original. 'Dolly' the sheep is a well-known example.
• Therapeutic Cloning: This involves cloning cells, particularly stem cells, to study human development and treat diseases. These cells are not used to create a new organism but to produce tissues or organs for medical purposes.

While cloning has the potential to bring numerous benefits, such as creating organ banks or helping endangered species, it also raises ethical concerns similar to those brought about by genetic engineering.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences, making billions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This technique is essential in many genetic engineering processes.
Here are the main steps involved in PCR:

• Denaturation: DNA is heated to break its strands apart.
• Annealing: The temperature is lowered to allow primers to bind to the DNA sequences that flank the target region.
• Extension: DNA polymerase extends the primers, synthesizing new DNA strands complementary to the target sequence.

PCR is used in a variety of applications, including detecting genetic mutations, cloning DNA fragments, and analyzing forensic samples.

CRISPR

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and is a tool used for precise genetic editing. This technology allows scientists to add, remove, or alter DNA in the genome.
Here's how CRISPR works:

• Targeting: A guide RNA (gRNA) is designed to match the DNA sequence that needs to be edited.
• Binding: The gRNA binds to the target DNA sequence.
• Cutting: The Cas9 protein, which is an enzyme, cuts the DNA at the targeted location.
• Repair: The cell's natural repair mechanisms then fix the cut, during which new genetic material can be inserted.

CRISPR has the potential to cure genetic diseases, improve crop resilience, and more, but it also raises ethical concerns similar to other genetic engineering techniques.

gene therapy

Gene therapy involves using genetic material to treat or prevent diseases by correcting defective genes. This technique aims to provide a lasting cure for genetic disorders.
There are several methods of gene therapy:

• Gene Addition: Introducing a new gene to help fight a disease.
• Gene Editing: Changing existing genes to fix mutations.
• Gene Silencing: Deactivating genes that cause problems.

For example, gene therapy can be used to treat diseases like hemophilia by adding functional copies of the impaired gene. While gene therapy offers significant promise, it also faces challenges such as ensuring the safe delivery of genes to the right cells and managing the potential immune response from the patient.