6.2.2 Genetic Modification

• Steps in the gene cloning technique

  1️⃣ Isolate the gene

  2️⃣ Insert the gene into a vector

  3️⃣ Multiply the gene in a host
• What vitamin does golden rice produce?

  Vitamin A
• How do GM crops like Bt corn increase crop yields?

  By producing a toxin
• What does genetic modification (GM) involve?

  Altering an organism's DNA
• How does the speed of genetic change compare between genetic modification and traditional farming?

  Rapid vs slow
• Genetic modification involves natural selection of desired traits in crops.

  False
• What does gene cloning amplify for research and applications?

  Specific genes
• What does Golden rice produce to enrich its nutritional value?

  Beta-carotene
• What is one benefit of GM crops engineered for pest resistance?

  Increased crop yields
• What is a key environmental concern related to GM crops?

  Loss of biodiversity
• Match the ethical or environmental concern with an example:

  Food Security vs. Safety ↔️ Debate over Golden Rice

  Biodiversity ↔️ GM corn displacing native insects

  Pesticide Resistance ↔️ Stronger pesticides needed
• The widespread use of GM crops can lead to the loss of genetic diversity
• Genetic modification improves crop yields and nutritional value.


  True
• Herbicide-resistant soybeans tolerate glyphosate.


  True
• Golden rice addresses vitamin A deficiencies in developing countries.
• Genetic modification is used in agriculture to improve food production
• Genetic modification focuses on specific trait enhancement
• Steps in gene cloning for genetic modification

  1️⃣ Isolate the gene

  2️⃣ Insert the gene into a vector

  3️⃣ Multiply the gene in a host organism
• Gene insertion transforms an organism to express a new trait
• Herbicide-resistant soybeans tolerate the herbicide glyphosate
• GM crops reduce reliance on chemical pesticides
• Pesticide resistance in pests can lead to the need for stronger pesticides
• What is one consequence of unequal access to GM technology for small farmers?

  Economic disparity
• Bt toxin in GM crops can unintentionally harm beneficial insects in the ecosystem.


  True
• What does genetic modification (GM) involve?

  Altering an organism's DNA
• Bt corn produces a toxin that protects it from insects.
• Match the GM crop with its benefit:

  Bt corn ↔️ Pest resistance

  Golden rice ↔️ Enhanced Vitamin A nutrition

  Herbicide-resistant soybeans ↔️ Weed control
• Herbicide-resistant soybeans reduce the need for harmful pesticides.


  True
• Genetic modification uses direct gene insertion, while traditional farming relies on natural selection.


  True
• What is a key advantage of GM crops regarding yields?

  Higher and more consistent
• Match the genetic modification technique with its description:

  Gene Cloning ↔️ Creates multiple identical copies of a gene

  Gene Insertion ↔️ Introduces a foreign gene into an organism's genome

  Transformation ↔️ Cells take up and integrate external DNA
• Bt corn produces a toxin that kills insect pests, reducing the need for pesticides.


  True
• Steps in creating herbicide-resistant soybeans

  1️⃣ Identify herbicide tolerance gene

  2️⃣ Isolate the gene

  3️⃣ Insert the gene into soybeans

  4️⃣ Test for herbicide resistance
• Ethical concerns about GM crops include debates over food security and safety.

  True
• Small farmers may face economic disparity due to the high cost of patented GM seeds.


  True
• Which GM crop example is associated with biodiversity loss due to its widespread use?

  GM corn