Section 5: Gene Technology

Can genes be transferred between organisms artificially?

Why is this done?

Are there any ethical issues surrounding this technology?

Is there a planning or control process surrounding the use of this technology?

Candidates should:
(a) Know the commercial applications of clones of plants and animals.
(b) Know that genes can be transferred artificially from one organism to another, and understand that the introduction of genes from resistant plants into Soya bean plants, so increasing their resistance to herbicides, may increase the crop yield.
(c) critically assess the issues surrounding this GM crop technology and how decisions are made, including the need to plan scientifically valid, suitable trials to assess the possible effects in order to inform the debate: for the scientific community, government policy departments, wider public opinion.