Manipulating Living Organisms

• What is the process called that develops plants with desired characteristics?

  Selective breeding

  
• How does selective breeding of plants compare to that of animals?


  It takes place in the same way as selective breeding of animals
• What are some characteristics for which plants are selectively bred?

  • Disease resistance in food crops
  • Increased crop yield
  • Hardiness to weather conditions (e.g., drought tolerance)
  • Better tasting fruits
  • Large or unusual flowers
• What is the first step in the selective breeding of animals?

  Individuals with the desired characteristics are bred together

  
• Why are several different parents often chosen in animal selective breeding?

  To avoid breeding siblings together in the next generation
• What are some characteristics for which animals are selectively bred?

  • Cows, goats, and sheep that produce lots of milk or meat
  • Chickens that lay large eggs
  • Domestic dogs that have a gentle nature
  • Sheep with good quality wool
  • Horses with fine features and a very fast pace
• What animal is an example of selective breeding producing various breeds?

  The domestic dog

  
• What is the role of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

  They cut DNA at specific sites

  
• What do sticky ends refer to in DNA manipulation?

  Short sections of single-stranded DNA that can pair with complementary bases
• How is a bacterial plasmid prepared for DNA insertion?

  It is cut by the same restriction enzyme as the gene to ensure complementary sticky ends

  
• What enzyme is used to join the plasmid and the isolated gene together?

  DNA ligase

  
• What happens when DNA ligase links two pieces of DNA?


  It forms a single, unbroken molecule of DNA

  
• How do plasmids and viruses act as vectors in genetic engineering?

  • They take up pieces of DNA
  • Insert recombinant DNA into other cells
  • Viruses transfer DNA into human cells or bacteria
  • Plasmids transfer DNA into bacteria or yeast

  
• What occurs when genetically engineered plasmids are inserted into bacterial cells?

  The plasmids are copied as the bacteria reproduce

  
• What is the purpose of placing genetically engineered bacteria in a fermenter?

  To reproduce quickly in controlled conditions and produce large quantities of human protein

  
• Where is the gene for insulin production located?

  Within a human chromosome

  
• What is the process of isolating the human insulin gene?

  Restriction enzymes are used to cut out the gene, leaving it with sticky ends

  
• What is the significance of matching sticky ends in DNA manipulation?

  They allow DNA ligase to link the pieces together
• What is the advantage of using bacteria for genetic engineering?

  They contain the same genetic code as the organisms we are taking genes from
• What are some advantages of genetically modified plants?

  • Improved resistance to pests
  • Increased crop yields
  • Resistance to herbicides
  • Enhanced nutritional value (e.g., golden rice)
  • Drought resistance
• What is a concern regarding GM crops?

  The effect on populations of wildflowers and insects
• What does the term transgenic mean?


  The transfer of genetic material from one species to a different species
• What is the process of micropropagation?

  • Growing small pieces of plants (explants) in vitro
  • Using nutrient media for growth
  • Sterilizing explants and transferring them to sterile conditions
  • Developing plantlets from callus

  
• What are explants in the context of micropropagation?


  Cells scraped from the parent plant

  
• Why are explants sterilized before being cultured?

  To prevent contamination
• What is the purpose of plant growth regulators in micropropagation?

  They cause the callus to develop roots, stems, and leaves

  
• What are the advantages of micropropagation?

  • Produces genetically identical clones
  • Allows for cheap and quick production
  • High yield per square meter
  • Can be done year-round
  • Disease-free plants can be bred
• What are the disadvantages of micropropagation?

  • Requires trained personnel and sterile conditions
  • All plants are genetically identical, making them vulnerable to diseases
• What is embryo cloning?

  • Cloning animals using embryo transplants
  • Involves fertilizing egg cells and splitting embryos
  • Produces genetically identical offspring

  
• What is the first step in adult cell cloning?

  The nucleus is removed from an unfertilized egg cell
• What stimulates the egg cell to divide in adult cell cloning?

  A very small electric shock
• Who was the first cloned mammal?

  Dolly the sheep
• What is pharming in the context of transgenic animals?

  • Producing medicines in the milk of mammals
  • Involves breeding transgenic animals
  • Cloning animals to produce a herd with the same special milk
• What are some products produced through pharming?

  • Antibodies for targeting cancer cells
  • Blood clotting factor IX for hemophilia
  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin for cystic fibrosis