Genetic Engineering

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What is genetic engineering?

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Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology, allowing for the alteration of DNA to achieve desired traits.

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How can genetic engineering improve crops?

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Genetic engineering can improve crops by making them pest or drought resistant, more nutritious, and larger.

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What is a point mutation?

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A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence, which can lead to changes in the protein produced.

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What is a deletion mutation?

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A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence, potentially leading to a frameshift.

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What is an insertion mutation?

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An insertion mutation involves the addition of one or more nucleotides into the DNA sequence, which can also cause a frameshift.

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What are frameshift mutations?

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Frameshift mutations are genetic mutations caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic code, affecting multiple codons.

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What is a plasmid?

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A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

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What is the role of mRNA in genetic engineering?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

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What is a ribosome?

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A ribosome is a cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.

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What is a nucleotide?

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A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.