Question 1: Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's DNA to introduce desirable traits. This process often uses techniques such as gene cloning and recombinant DNA technology to alter genetic material.

Answer: Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism's DNA to change or introduce specific traits using biotechnology techniques.

Question 1: Define recombinant DNA technology.

Answer: Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to produce new genetic combinations.

Question 2: Explain one advantage and one potential ethical concern of genetic engineering.

Answer: Advantage: It can produce crops resistant to pests, increasing food security. Ethical concern: It may lead to unintended environmental impacts or genetic inequality.

Question 1: A scientist inserts a gene into a bacterial plasmid, which has a size of 5 kilobase pairs (kbp). The inserted gene is 2 kbp. What is the total size of the recombinant plasmid?

Answer: 7 kbp

Question 2: If a DNA fragment has a length of 1,200 base pairs and the average weight of a base pair is 660 daltons, what is the approximate molecular weight of this DNA fragment in Daltons?

Answer: 792,000 Daltons

Question 1: Describe a step in the process of inserting a gene into a plant cell for genetic modification and mention one safety precaution that should be taken.

Answer: One step is using a gene gun or Agrobacterium to deliver the gene into plant cells. Safety precaution: Wear protective gloves and lab coat to prevent contamination.

Question 1: A genetically modified crop shows a 20% increase in yield compared to non-GM varieties. List two possible reasons for this increase based on genetic engineering techniques.

Answer: Possible reasons include the introduction of pest-resistant genes reducing crop loss, and genes that improve drought tolerance leading to better growth conditions.

Question 1: Explain how genetic engineering can be used to produce insulin for diabetic patients. (6 marks)

Answer: Genetic engineering involves inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast cells. These modified microorganisms then produce insulin, which can be harvested and purified for medical use. This method provides a reliable and ethical way to produce insulin compared to extracting it from animals.

Question 1: Describe one way genetic engineering is used in agriculture to improve food security.

Answer: Genetic engineering is used to create pest-resistant or drought-tolerant crops, reducing crop losses and increasing food production.