Genetic Engineering

Using information from the article about Golden Rice: First proposed in 1999, this genetically modified rice contains genes for beta-carotene, which the body uses to make Vitamin A. Describe how Golden Rice differs from normal rice.

• It has been modified to produce beta-carotene, giving it a bright yellow color and enabling the body to make Vitamin A.

• It naturally contains higher protein than ordinary rice without any genetic modification.

• It is grown without irrigation and therefore requires no water.

• It is a non-staple food consumed only by a small minority.

Using information from the article about Golden Rice: Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) is prevalent in many Asian countries, particularly affecting children and causing blindness and even death, with an estimated 2000 deaths every day. Why is it claimed that Golden Rice could save millions of lives?

• By providing beta-carotene that can be converted to Vitamin A, helping prevent VAD in populations that rely on rice.

• By dramatically increasing rice yield per hectare, ending food shortages.

• By eliminating the need for pesticides through inherent pest resistance.

• By improving the taste of rice and encouraging higher consumption.

Using information from the article about Golden Rice: Explain why Golden Rice is not yet available in many countries.

• Opposition from ecological groups who argue that introducing a GMO is not the right way to address malnutrition.

• Strict and prohibitive biosafety guidelines and restrictions from an international treaty.

• Local opposition in certain countries such as the Philippines that has grown over the years.

• Lack of demand because rice is not a staple part of the diet of millions of people.

Using information from the article about Golden Rice: What statement best reflects a balanced view on the use of Golden Rice in farming?

• It could help eradicate VAD but faces regulatory and public opposition that has slowed adoption.

• It is proven dangerous and has been banned worldwide.

• It is unrelated to malnutrition and offers no health benefit.

• It is already widely farmed across the world without controversy.

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You are the health minister for India. The worksheet asks you to write an open letter for a national newspaper to alleviate fears and help people see the benefits of Golden Rice. Which message should the letter prioritize to gain public approval?

• Explain that Golden Rice contains beta-carotene to help prevent VAD among populations that rely on rice, acknowledge public fears with safety information, and outline how guidelines address risks.

• Focus solely on increasing rice yields and economic profits without discussing health or safety.

• Avoid mentioning safety or benefits and simply announce immediate rollout.

• Promote a blanket ban on GMOs and discourage consideration of Golden Rice.

Look at the image and choose the correct name...

• DNA ligases

• Recombinant DNA

• Restriction enzymes

• Transfer vectors

A product of genetic engineering technology is represented below . Which substance was needed to join the insulin gene to the bacterial DNA as shown?

• a specific carbohydrate

• a specific enzyme

• hormones

• antibodies

Biotech foods look and taste the same as traditional foods and crops. The only difference is that biotech food has

• fewer calories.
• the addition of specific minerals.
• genes with traits that improve something about the plant.
• a better chance of surviving a frost during the growing season.

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What is the result of step 3?

• a new type of molecular base is formed

• different types of minerals are joined together

• DNA from the bacterial cell is cloned

• DNA from different organisms is joined together

Using biotechnology to change the genetic makeup of an organism is called

• Tissue Culturing
• Biotechnology
• Cloning
• Genetic Engineering