Biotechnology Questions and Answers 100% Pass

Biotechnology Questions and Answers 100% Pass selective breeding method of breeding that allows only those individual organisms with desired characteristics to produce the next generation ("Super Cow") hybridization breeding technique that involves crossing dissimilar individuals to bring together the best traits of both organisms inbreeding continued breeding of individuals with similar characteristics to maintain the desired characteristics of a line of organismsterm-3 genetic engineering the transfer of a gene from the DNA of one organism into another organism, in order to produce an organism with desired traits biotechnology technology applied to living organisms recombinant DNA genetically engineered DNA made by recombining fragments of DNA from different organisms PCR (polymerase chain reaction) can produce many copies of a specific target segment of DNA plasmid a circular DNA molecule that is usually found in bacteria and that can replicate independent of the main chromosome transgenic organism an organism that contains genes from other organisms clone member of a population of genetically identical cells produced from a single cell gene therapy the process of changing a gene to treat a medical disease or disorder DNA fingerprint distinctive pattern of bands composed of fragments of an individual's DNA GM foods (genetically modified foods) foods that have been genetically modified through biotechnology...genes have been manipulated gel electrophoresis The separation of nucleic acids or proteins, on the basis of their size and electrical charge, by measuring their rate of movement through an electrical field in a gel restriction enzyme enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides Human Genome Project An international collaborative effort to map and sequence the DNA of the entire human genome. genome All of an organism's genetic material SNP single base differences among the DNA of individuals; DNA fingerprinting makes use of these differences polyploidy condition in which an organism has extra sets of chromosomes; even though it is usually fatal in animals, many of the plants we enjoy, like bananas, have this condition Pros of GM crops -increased yields (make more) -can make resistant to pests -can make resistant to herbicides so farmer can spray weeds all around but not kill crop -make crop have more nutrients -make crop drought-resistant -make crop able to grow in salty soil -make crop product have longer shelf life Cons of GM crops -threatens beneficial bugs if has pesticide in the plant -possible allergic reactions -overuse of herbicides pollutes land & water -overuse of herbicides could make a super weed that is resistant to the herbicide -could cross-pollinate with natural plants, losing the original genes from those plants -unknown consequences Pros of Gene Therapy -can cure or correct some diseases -offers hope for parents of children with genetic disorders -can be applied to plants and animals -enhances overall health Cons of Gene Therapy -ethical concerns...try to create perfect person -unintended side effects -unknown consequences -religious concerns -not always successful -might not be long term -expensive -unreliable delivery method -invasion of privacy Benefits of Human Genome Project Earlier detection of disorders, less emphasis on treatment and more on looking at fundamental causes, new classes of drugs tailored to individuals, avoiding environmental conditions, repair or replacement of defective genes through gene therapy