FlyingHoustonian is right.

On #2, technically the employer that doesn't exist any more is the company that acquired the old company. So really, the answer to the question is that you've worked for the same company since the day you started at the acquired company. Under "employer," you may be able to write "(Old company), acquired by (New company)."

But either way, you'll be able to explain in the interview.

Good luck -- GE is fantastic.