4.6.2.3 selective breeding / genetic engineering Flashcards
What is selective breeding
This involves choosing plants and animals with the best traits (e.g most food producing) and breeding them to make more
What is genetic engineering
Modification of a genome using a gene from a different organism in order to improve characteristics
What are three things cows with genetical engineering can produce
Extra protein
Lower levels of cholesterol
Human antibodies
What are two examples of what genetic engineering has improved
To produce disease resistant plants with bigger fruits
Production of insulin on larger scales
State 6 advantages to modification
-improved crop yield
-improving resistance to pesticides
-extends shelf-life
-manufactures a certain chemical (e.g insulin)
-convenient
-there is currently research into using genetic modification to overcome inherited disorders
State 5 disadvantages to modification
- genetically modified organisms may be expensive
-need for long term studies - effects may be passed on to other animals or plants
-ethical reasons about abortion
-risks of miscarriage or ‘false positives’ with amniocentesis
What are the five stages to modification
- Identify desired gene
- Remove gene from DNA
- Cut open DNA in the other organism
4.insert removed gene using enzymes again
5.clone the organism to produce lots of copies
What are fresian cows?
Produces lots of milk
What are jersey cows?
Produces high quality milk
What are Hereford cows?
Produces lots of meat
What is artificial selection (selective breeding)?
The breeding together of organisms that show traits chosen by humans, it is successful when all offspring produced have the desired trait.
