19.3 A2 Level

Genetically modified

7 flashcards to master this topic

Key Concept Flip

How can genetic engineering improve farmed animal productivity to meet global food demands? Give an example.

Answer Flip

Genetic engineering can enhance farmed animal productivity by increasing growth rate, disease resistance, and nutrient content.

Example: GM salmon are engineered to grow faster, reaching market size more quickly and efficiently.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how herbicide resistance in soybean contributes to improved food production.

Answer Flip

Herbicide-resistant soybeans allow farmers to use broad-spectrum herbicides without harming the crop. This reduces weed competition, leading to higher soybean yields and improved overall food production efficiency.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the mechanism by which insect resistance is achieved in GM cotton, and its benefit.

Answer Flip

GM cotton expresses a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produces a toxin harmful to specific insects. This reduces the need for chemical insecticides, minimizing environmental impact and crop damage by pests, thus increasing yield.

Key Concept Flip

Outline one ethical concern associated with the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production.

Answer Flip

One ethical concern is the potential for unintended consequences on ecosystems and biodiversity. The introduction of GMOs could disrupt ecological balance, affecting non-target organisms and leading to unforeseen environmental problems.

Key Concept Flip

What are potential social implications of relying on GM crops for global food security?

Answer Flip

Social implications include concerns about the control of food production by large corporations, the potential displacement of small-scale farmers who cannot afford GM seeds, and access disparities to modified foods in poorer countries.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the main concerns related to the safety of consuming GM foods.

Answer Flip

Concerns involve potential allergenicity or toxicity of the introduced genes or proteins. Although safety assessments are conducted, long-term effects on human health are difficult to predict with certainty.

Key Concept Flip

What are the potential benefits of GM crops regarding the use of pesticides and herbicides?

Answer Flip

GM crops can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

Example: insect-resistant crops reduce the use of insecticides, and herbicide-tolerant crops enable the use of safer herbicides, leading to reduced environmental pollution.

Ready to test yourself?

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding of Genetically modified.

Take Quiz
19.2 Genetic technology applied