2.  A GMO is one in which a gene (or genes) have been changed in some way.  A gene can be substituted, altered, deleted or ‘switched off.’  Genes are modified to produce more desirable traits in organisms.

3.  DNA profiling enables scientists to track migration routes, establish zoo data base as a reference guide, identify inbreeding in populations, identify threatened species, screen for genetic diseases etc.  Control of feral pests (e.g. rabbits) by reducing fertility.  Bioremediation to break down heavy metals.

4.  A rat’s gene that promotes the production of its growth hormone has been spliced onto the DNA of a mouse, resulting in a much enlarged mouse. This could be useful in developing large livestock for human food.  A gene which produces a natural insecticide taken from soil bacteria can be spliced onto the DNA of cotton plants to produce insect resistant cotton.  Change in pigmentation in commercial flowers for ornamental purposes.  Protection of fruit/strawberries against freezing/frost, spraying genetically engineered bacteria onto fruit.  Recombinant growth hormone genes for farm animals to produce leaner meat.  Delay in the ripening of fruit for a longer shelf life.

5.  Production of hormones (e.g. insulin) to replace those that are deficient.  Production of vaccines for preventing infectious diseases.  Creations of proteins to produce medications.  Prenatal diagnosis of human genetic disease.

6.  Artificial selection is the selection (by humans) of animals or plants that have useful features for breeding programmes.

7.  GM plants may be engineered to resist disease, herbicides and grow in adverse conditions (e.g. high salinity).  Provide more reliable and greater quantities of food for growing human population.  GMO’s may limit the need to clear more land for farming and assist in the conservation of threatened species.  Much faster result, artificial selection and natural selection may take decades or centuries. Don’t have to wait for natural mutations to occur.  Allows the retention of other desirable characteristics of the best varieties of the species.

8.  Able to use the best genes available, not just in the same species.  Inserting new genes increases the survival in unfavourable conditions (e.g. salinity)  If food crop is not sprayed with insecticide, then the consumer will not ingest insecticide contaminated fruit and veg.  Not needing insecticides, reduces the cost for farmers.  The ‘antifreeze’ gene spliced onto the DNA of plants could prevent the crops spoiling during unusually cold weather, reducing the cost of frost damage.

9.  Create organism which are not present in the environment may have unforseen effects on food web/ecosystems/biodiversity.  Insects affected by resistant crops maybe an important food source for native animals  GMO’s may cross breed with nearby non- recombinant crops or native related species and contaminate them. Could have undesirable effects on other species.  GM plants may become a weed due to success in unfavourable conditions.

10.  Complicated/ specialised process/expensive  Not always successful  Effects/consequences not fully understood/ethical issues/allergic reactions.  Resistant crops may pass on genes to closely related to weed species, making the weed resistant to herbicides.  Foods with transplanted genes may cause allergic reactions.