Genetic Modification and Cloning

• What is selective breeding also known as?

  Artificial selection
• What is the purpose of selective breeding?

  To enhance specific traits in a population
• What is the first step in selective breeding?

  Choose parents with desirable traits
• How does selective breeding amplify desired characteristics?

  By repeating the breeding process over generations
• What is one advantage of selective breeding?

  Increased crop and livestock yields
• What is a disadvantage of selective breeding?

  Can reduce genetic diversity
• How does selective breeding increase susceptibility to diseases?

  By reducing genetic diversity in the population
• What does genetic modification involve?

  Altering an organism's DNA
• What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

  An organism with altered DNA
• What is the first step in the genetic modification process?

  Identify the gene for a desired trait
• How is a gene inserted into a target organism's DNA?

  Using a vector like a plasmid or gene gun
• What is one advantage of genetic modification?

  Increased yield and reduced pesticide need
• What is a disadvantage of genetic modification?

  Concerns about long-term environmental impact
• How can GM crops affect ecosystems?

  By cross-breeding with wild plants
• What is cloning?

  Creating genetically identical organisms
• What are the types of cloning?

  Natural and artificial cloning
• What is natural cloning?

  Occurs naturally in organisms like bacteria
• How does embryo cloning work?

  Separating early embryonic cells to grow identical embryos
• What is adult cell cloning also known as?

  Somatic cell nuclear transfer
• How is an adult cell cloned?

  The nucleus is inserted into an enucleated egg cell
• What is the result of adult cell cloning?

  An organism identical to the donor
• How do plants naturally clone themselves?

  Via runners or bulbs
• What is tissue culture?

  A cloning technique for plants
• What is the first step in tissue culture?

  Collect explants from the plant
• Why are explants sterilized in tissue culture?

  To prevent contamination by microorganisms
• What is used to culture explants in tissue culture?

  Nutrient-rich agar growth medium
• What happens after explants are cultured?

  Small shoots and roots develop
• What is a benefit of tissue culture?

  Produces large numbers of identical plants quickly
• What is a disadvantage of tissue culture?

  Can be labor-intensive and requires sterile conditions
• What are the key differences between selective breeding, genetic modification, cloning, and tissue culture?

  • Selective Breeding: Choosing parents for traits; examples include high-yield crops.
  • Genetic Modification: Altering DNA directly; examples include Bt crops.
  • Cloning: Producing identical organisms; examples include Dolly the sheep.
  • Tissue Culture: Growing plants from tissue samples; examples include orchids.
• What is the benefit of selective breeding?

  Increased yield and specific traits
• What is the drawback of genetic modification?

  Possible environmental impact
• What is a drawback of cloning?

  Lack of genetic diversity
• What is a drawback of tissue culture?

  Requires expertise and sterile conditions