Question 1: Define genetic engineering in your own words.

Answer: Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating an organism's genes using biotechnology to change its characteristics.

Question 2: What is the main purpose of using genetic engineering in agriculture?

Answer: To develop crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, and to improve yield.

Question 1: Describe the role of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering.

Answer: Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to isolate and insert specific genes into other DNA molecules.

Question 2: Explain what a plasmid is and how it is used in genetic engineering.

Answer: A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria used as a vector to carry and insert foreign genes into host cells.

Question 1: If a bacterial culture contains 2 x 10^6 bacteria before genetic modification and grows to 1 x 10^9 bacteria after 24 hours, what is the growth factor?

Answer: The growth factor is 500 (calculation: 1 x 10^9 / 2 x 10^6 = 500).

Question 2: A gene segment is 1500 base pairs long. If a restriction enzyme cuts this DNA at a specific site every 300 base pairs, how many cut sites are expected?

Answer: Expected cut sites = 1500 / 300 = 5.

Question 1: Describe one safety precaution that must be taken during genetic engineering experiments.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and lab coats to prevent contamination and exposure to genetic materials.

Question 2: List one ethical concern associated with genetic engineering.

Answer: Potential unintended effects on ecosystems or creating genetically modified organisms that could impact biodiversity.

Question 1: A scientist inserted a gene into a plant that increases drought resistance. The experiment measured plant survival rates in drought conditions. The data shows that 85% of genetically modified plants survived, compared to 40% of non-modified plants. What does this data suggest about the effectiveness of the genetic modification?

Answer: The data suggests that the genetic modification significantly improves the plant's drought resistance, increasing survival rates.

Question 2: In an experiment, a gene is inserted into 100 bacteria, and after 24 hours, 80 of these bacteria contain the gene successfully. Calculate the percentage of bacteria that successfully incorporated the gene.

Answer: Percentage = (80 / 100) x 100 = 80%.

Question 1: Name one industry that benefits from genetic engineering and describe how.

Answer: Agriculture benefits by developing genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and harsh environmental conditions.

Question 2: How might genetic engineering contribute to medical advances in the future?

Answer: It can lead to the development of gene therapies for genetic disorders and personalized medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.