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People are concerned about genetic engineering, given what some GM foods turn out like!

Unit 1 - Genetic Engineering

This GCSE Biology quiz looks at genetic engineering, how genes are transferred between organisms, and how genetically modified organisms are used in medicine and agriculture.

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(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Organisms that have received new genes by genetic engineering are called genetically modified (GM) organisms.

In GCSE Biology, you study genetic engineering as a way of changing an organism’s DNA. Scientists move useful genes between species to produce medicines, improve crops, and investigate how genes work.

Key Terms

Genetic engineering: The process of changing an organism’s DNA by adding, removing, or altering specific genes.
Genetically modified organism (GMO): An organism whose DNA has been changed using genetic engineering techniques.
Vector: A carrier, such as a plasmid or virus, used to transfer a gene into a cell during genetic engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is genetic engineering in GCSE Biology?

In GCSE Biology, genetic engineering is defined as the deliberate change of an organism’s DNA, usually by transferring genes from one organism into another.

How are genetically modified crops used in farming?

Genetically modified crops can be designed to resist pests, tolerate herbicides, or produce higher yields, helping farmers reduce losses and improve food production.

Why is genetic engineering sometimes controversial?

Genetic engineering raises concerns about long-term effects on health and ecosystems, possible loss of biodiversity, and ethical questions about changing the DNA of living organisms.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Crops produced using genetic engineering are known as GM. What does GM stand for?

Genes Manipulated

Genetically Modified

Great Marvel

Genes Made

GM crops can be resistant to herbicides, produce greater yields, resist a specific type of disease and so on

2 .

Genetic engineering can be used to make which type of drugs?

Vaccines

Food

Insects

Weeds

Insulin is another example

3 .

Genetic engineering involves the transfer of what?

The transfer of proteins

The transfer of sugars

The transfer of genes

The transfer of enzymes

The genetically modified organism is referred to as being transgenic

4 .

The first GM pet is which type of creature?

A dog

A hamster

A mouse

A fish

The GloFish glows in the dark as it has a gene for fluorescence. They are GM zebra fish and come in a wide variety of amazing colours

5 .

A major objection to GM crops is the possible creation of wild plants which are resistant to what?

Antibiotics

Weedkiller

Insecticide

Viruses

It could be possible to transfer a gene for weedkiller resistance naturally from a GM crop into a wild plant making it a 'super weed' which could outgrow all the other plants

6 .

Cattle can be genetically enhanced to increase what?

To increase their weight

To increase their growth

To increase the number of their offspring

To increase their nutrition

It is an alternative to the use of artificial growth hormones

7 .

Which of the following is often cited as an objection to GM crops?

Unknown long-term effects on humans

Killing animals

Insect populations

Habitat destruction

Some people avoid GM foods due to concerns about GM foods on human health

8 .

Why are bacteria often used to produce proteins?

Because they multiply quickly

Because they need nutrients

Because they are available

Because they are cheap

Bacteria multiply very quickly and produce large quantities of the desired product rapidly

9 .

What is used to cut the gene out from a chromosome?

A special type of fat

A special type of hormone

A special type of enzyme

A special type of cell

These are given the special name of restriction enzymes

10 .

What does a herbicide kill?

Animals

Rats

Insects

Plants

Herbicides kill unwanted plants known as weeds. If crop plants are GM, they can be made resistant to weedkiller. Without weeds the crop can grow better and give a much higher yield

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Genetic engineering (CCEA)

Author: Donna Davidson (GCSE Biology Teacher & Examiner, Quiz Writer)