Question 1: Genetic engineering involves modifying the genetic material of an organism to achieve desired traits. It often uses techniques such as recombinant DNA technology to insert, delete, or alter genes.

Answer: Genetic engineering is the process of modifying an organism's genes using biotechnology, often to introduce desirable traits.

Question 2: Define 'recombinant DNA technology' and explain its role in genetic engineering.

Answer: Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to produce new genetic combinations, enabling scientists to insert genes into organisms.

Question 3: List three common methods used in genetic engineering.

Answer: Gene cloning, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), and gene insertion using vectors.

Question 4: What is the main purpose of genetically modifying crops?

Answer: To increase yield, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and enhance nutritional content.

Question 5: Explain why ethical considerations are important in genetic engineering.

Answer: Ethical considerations are important because genetic engineering can have unintended environmental impacts, affect biodiversity, raise concerns about safety and consent, and involve moral questions about altering living organisms.

Question 6: Identify two safety precautions scientists should take when performing genetic engineering experiments.

Answer: Using protective clothing and working in sterile environments to prevent contamination and exposure to harmful substances.

Question 7: Multiple choice: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a plasmid in genetic engineering?

Answer: A DNA molecule used as a vector to insert genes into bacteria

Question 8: Fill in the blank: The enzyme __________ is commonly used to cut DNA at specific sequences during genetic engineering.

Answer: restriction enzyme

Question 9: Calculate the total amount of DNA (in base pairs) if a gene of 1500 base pairs is inserted into a plasmid of 3000 base pairs.

Answer: 4500 base pairs

Question 10: Describe a practical experiment to demonstrate the process of gene cloning in bacteria.

Answer: Students could explain isolating a gene using restriction enzymes, inserting it into a plasmid, transforming bacteria with the recombinant plasmid, and then selecting bacteria that have taken up the gene using antibiotic resistance markers.

Question 11: In a scenario, a scientist inserts a gene for pest resistance into potato plants. What are two potential benefits and one possible risk of this genetic modification?

Answer: Benefits include reduced pesticide use and increased crop yield; a risk involves potential unintended effects on non-target organisms or gene flow to wild relatives.