Manipulating Genes

• What is another term for selective breeding?

  Artificial selection
• What should you be able to explain regarding the impact of selective breeding?

  The impact of selective breeding on food plants and domesticated animals
• What are the disadvantages of selective breeding?

  It can lead to inbreeding and inherited disorders
• What animal is shown as an example of a wild ancestor of domestic dogs?

  Wolf
• How did humans utilize wolves thousands of years ago?

  Wolves were used for protection, warmth, and companionship
• What process did humans use to produce modern dogs from wolves?

  Selective breeding
• What are four examples of selective breeding?

  • Domestic dogs bred for gentle nature
  • Wheat bred for disease resistance
  • Cows bred for increased meat or milk production
  • Plants bred for large or unusual flowers
• What is the first step in the selective breeding process for larger cows?

  Select the largest male and female from a mixed population
• What does sexual reproduction produce in the offspring during selective breeding?

  Variation in the offspring
• What is done after selecting the largest male and female offspring in selective breeding?

  Breed the selected offspring together
• What is the goal of continuing selective breeding over many generations?

  To produce offspring that are all large
• What is a major problem associated with selective breeding?

  Inbreeding can occur
• What can inbreeding cause in certain breeds?

  Proneness to disease or inherited defects
• What are some inherited disorders that can develop in selectively bred dog breeds?

  Joint problems, heart disease, or epilepsy
• Where can students find more questions on selective breeding?

  • In the vision workbook
  • By clicking on the provided link
• What is genetic engineering?

  Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism's genome by transferring genes from one organism to another.
• How is genetic engineering used in medicine?

  It is used to produce human insulin for people with type 1 diabetes.
• How is genetic engineering applied in agriculture?

  It is used to create genetically modified (GM) crops that yield more and resist diseases.
• What is a good example of a product of genetic engineering in medicine?

  Human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria.
• Why do people with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections?

  Because they cannot produce their own insulin.
• What advantages do GM crops have over normal crops?

  GM crops generally produce a greater yield and can be resistant to diseases and pests.
• What is a concern regarding GM crops?

  Some people question whether GM crops could be harmful to insects or wildflowers.
• What is gene therapy?

  Gene therapy is the exploration of genetic modification as a way to treat inherited disorders in humans.
• What is a potential risk of modifying a gene?

  The potential effects on other genes are unknown.
• What are the main steps in genetic engineering?

  1. Identify the gene to transfer.
  2. Use enzymes to isolate the gene.
  3. Transfer the gene into a plasmid or virus (vectors).
  4. Transfer the desired gene into the target organism's cells.
  5. Transfer the gene at an early stage of development.
• What is a plasmid?

  A plasmid is a small circle of DNA used to transfer genes between organisms.
• What are the two methods of cloning plants mentioned in the video?

  Cuttings and tissue culture
• What is a clone in the context of plant reproduction?

  A genetically identical organism produced asexually
• Why are plasmids useful in genetic engineering?

  They are useful for transferring DNA from one organism to another.
• What is the main advantage of cloning plants?

  The clone is genetically identical to the original plant
• What is the role of vectors in genetic engineering?

  Vectors, like plasmids or viruses, transfer DNA from one organism to another.
• How does taking cuttings help in cloning plants?

  A small piece of the plant is removed and dipped in rooting powder
• At what stage is the gene transferred into an organism?

  The gene is transferred at an early stage of the organism's development.
• What does rooting powder contain that aids in cloning?

  Plant hormones
• Why is it important to transfer the gene early in development?

  To ensure that all cells receive the transferred gene.
• Why is tissue culture used when many clones are needed?

  It allows for the division of a plant into hundreds of tiny pieces
• What are the characteristics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

  • Modified genome
  • Can produce specific proteins (e.g., insulin)
  • Increased yield in crops
  • Resistance to diseases and pests
  • Potential health and environmental concerns
• What must be ensured during tissue culture to prevent contamination?

  The conditions must be sterile
• Why is tissue culture beneficial for commercial plant nurseries?

  It allows growers to produce thousands of genetically identical plants quickly and cheaply
• How does tissue culture help in preserving rare species of plants?

  By producing clones that maintain the genetic makeup of the species