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6 (a) Yeast cells can be genetically modified to produce a painkiller - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) Yeast cells can be genetically modified to produce a painkiller. This painkiller is usually obtained from opium poppies. One method for genetically modifying a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) Yeast cells can be genetically modified to produce a painkiller - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how a gene can be inserted into a plasmid.
Answer
To insert a gene into a plasmid, the following steps are generally involved:
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Cutting the DNA: The plasmid is first cut open at a specific location using a restriction enzyme. This creates sticky ends that are complementary to the gene of interest.
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Inserting the gene: The desired gene is also cut with the same restriction enzyme, ensuring that it has matching sticky ends that will align with those in the plasmid.
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Ligation: The gene is then inserted into the cut plasmid using an enzyme called ligase, which joins the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA strands, effectively sealing the gene within the plasmid.
Step 2
Discuss the possible benefits and risks of producing painkillers from genetically modified yeast cells rather than extracting the painkillers from poppies.
Answer
Producing painkillers from genetically modified yeast cells has several potential benefits:
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Rapid Growth and Yield: Yeast can grow rapidly, allowing for increased production of the painkiller in a shorter timeframe.
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Less Resource Intensive: Yeast cultivation can be more efficient as it occupies less space compared to growing opium poppies, which require significant agricultural land.
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Consistency: Genetically modified yeast can provide consistent quality and potency of the painkiller as it is produced in controlled environments.
However, there are also risks involved:
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Health Concerns: There might be doubts about the safety and efficacy of genetically modified painkillers compared to their natural counterparts from poppies.
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Environmental Risks: There is concern regarding the accidental release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, which can disrupt local ecosystems.
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Regulatory Challenges: The production and commercialization of genetically modified products may face stringent regulations and public resistance, impacting availability.
Step 3
Describe how these changes in DNA sequence can affect the individuals and how sequencing a person’s genome could influence their medical treatments.
Answer
Variations in DNA sequences among individuals can lead to differences in phenotypes and may affect various aspects of health. Here’s how:
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Genetic Diseases: Changes in the DNA sequence can result in mutations that may predispose individuals to genetic disorders. Understanding these mutations helps identify at-risk individuals.
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Risk Assessment: Knowing the specific genetic variations can help individuals evaluate their risk of developing certain conditions, enabling proactive health measures.
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Personalized Medicine: The sequencing of a person’s genome allows for a tailored approach to medical treatment. Healthcare providers can select medications that align better with a patient’s genetic makeup, improving efficacy and minimizing adverse reactions.
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Preventative Strategies: Knowledge of genetic predispositions enables individuals to adopt lifestyle changes to mitigate risks, such as dietary adjustments or increased monitoring for specific diseases.
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Research and Development: Sequencing contributes to a deeper understanding of how specific genes influence disease and can drive innovation in drug development and treatment protocols.