• In your own words, explain the process of creating a transgenic organism.

It entails introducing a new gene into the DNA of an organism thus enabling it to acquire a new trait. Precisely, one will have to isolate the foreign DNA and attach it to a carrier. The last step involves transferring the DNA fragment into the host organism.

• What are some of the benefits of creating transgenic organisms?

They are useful in clinical trial research. Scientists alter the DNA of certain animals in laboratories to produce certain diseases so that they can research on the treatment (Key, Ma & Drake, 2008). Second, transgenic animals improve the human welfare. For instance, in agriculture, transgenic animals such as larger sheep produce more wool for farmers. Third, according to Key, Ma and Drake (2008), transgenesis is useful in keeping infants healthy. Altering the DNA of an animal can result in quality offspring.

• What are some of the risks of creating transgenic organisms?

First, due to the dynamic nature of the environment, it would be risky to alter the DNA of animals since they might go extinct. Second, transgenic animals might be unsafe for human consumption. According to critics, the safety of the products produced by transgenic animals is uncertain (Houdebine, 2014). Third, the process of creating transgenic organisms is expensive and it will cost the government and other research firms a lot of funds.

• Share some examples of transgenic organisms you found in your research.
  • What species are used as the recipient of the transgene?

Species that are considered are those that have large flocks. Scientists always consider species that can easily produce the modified offspring.

• What species was the source of the transgene DNA?

It results from a healthy egg produced from a healthy mother belonging to a particular species.

• Has human DNA been used as a transgene in another species?

Scientists have used the human DNA in cattle. They added the human DNA to cattle genomes thus enabling it to produce milk with specific human proteins.

• What is the significance of the transgene being present in the germ cells of the organism?

The transgene is significant for long-term inheritance. Besides, it is useful in engineering an intact organism.

• The jellyfish gene for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is frequently used as a transgene in many organisms.
  • What are the benefits of using GFP DNA?

First, it is useful as a visual tag by scientists when determining the expression of other genes. Second, it is used as a transcription reporter. Citing McLennan, et al. (2012), it effectively monitors gene expression when used under the control of a promoter. Third, it is useful in selection procedures and genetic screens.

• What are some examples of transgenic organisms that have been developed using GFP?

The organisms include cats, rats, pigs, fish and rabbits.

• Various foods have been genetically modified and are frequently referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • What are the benefits of GMOs?

First, genetically modified plants and animals are more resistant to diseases. Therefore, farmers will use less pesticides. Second, the GMO food has better quality and taste (Houdebine, 2014). Modification enhances the flavor of the food. Third, GMO foods have more nutrition due to the addition of vitamins and minerals.

• What are the risks of GMOs?

First, GMO foods have potential health risks. These risks include antibiotic resistance and allergies. Second, GMO plants and animals results in environmental damage. Scientists temper with nature when they mix genes (Houdebine, 2014). For instance, GMO plants can become resistant to pesticides resulting in more efforts that may damage the environment.

• Do you recommend that food labels indicate the presence of a GMO? Why or why not?

Indicating the presence of a GMO is significant because it will give people the option to choose from the variety. Besides, every individual has the right to choose whether or not to use a GMO food. Some people consider GMO foods harmful; therefore, by indicating the labels, they will have the option to pick the organic food.

References

Houdebine, L. M. (2014). Impacts of genetically modified animals on the ecosystem and human activities. Global Bioethics, 25(1), 3-18.

Key, S., Ma, J. K., & Drake, P. M. (2008). Genetically modified plants and human health. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 101(6), 290-298.

McLennan, A., Bates, A., Turner, P., & White, M. (2012). BIOS Instant Notes in Molecular Biology. Taylor & Francis.

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