3.3.2 Transgenic Organisms

What is the goal of genetic engineering?

• to create a stronger, more resilient organism

• to create a homozygous hybrid

• to map the organism’s genes

• to map a new set of genes

A biochemist is working to isolate the insulin that a transgenic bacterial culture has produced. Which step of the transgenic process would have come right before collecting the protein made by the bacteria?

• Insulin is purified and packaged for use

• Bacteria cells are induced to take in the insulin plasmid

• Cultured bacterial cells make the transgenic protein

• Restriction enzymes cut the plasmid for insertion of the insulin gene

The diagram of the bacterial cell shows the structures necessary for the creation of a transgenic organism. Which statement correctly identifies the structure labeled as Structure II and describes its role in creating a transgenic organism?

• Structure II is a ribosome. The ribosome combines with the host organism’s genetic material to create recombinant DNA, which is then inserted into a host organism to create a transgenic organism.

• Structure II is a nucleus. The nucleus releases its genetic material to combine with the host organism’s mitochondria and create recombinant DNA, which is then inserted into a host organism to create a transgenic organism.

• Structure II is a bacterial plasmid. Genetic material is inserted into the plasmid, which is then placed into the cells of another organism where it combines with that organism’s chromosomes to create a transgenic organism.

What is one way transgenic organisms are used?

• as a tool for breeding

• in cataloging endangered species

• in the production of human insulin

The diagram below shows the steps in bacterial transformation. In which step would restriction enzymes most likely be used?

• Step 1

• Step 2

• Step 3

• Step 4

Which areas in society are most directly benefiting from the use of transgenic organisms?

• politics and economics

• education and sports

• medicine and agriculture

• aerospace and architecture

The diagram below shows the steps taken to genetically modify a bacterial cell with DNA from an animal donor. Which step represents creation of recombinant DNA?

• Step 1

• Step 2

• Step 3

• Step 4

Which would be a desirable trait scientists may want to create in a transgenic plant?

• the ability to resist insects

• the ability to grow less fruit

• the ability to change color in the winter

• the ability to use a lot of water

Which transgenic organism has been used to clean up oil spills?

• bacteria

• fungus

• jellyfish

• paramecia

How is recombinant DNA made?

• by joining DNA molecules with RNA molecules

• by joining DNA molecules from two different species

• by joining DNA molecules with proteins from a different species

• by joining DNA molecules from two chromosomes of the same organism