5D: Agricultural Applications of CRISPR-CAS9

Question 1

CRISPR

Answer 1

Short, clustered repeats of DNA found in prokaryotes

which protects them against viral invasion

Question 2

CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)

Answer 2

An endonuclease that creates a blunt end cut at a site

specified by guide RNA (gRNA)

Question 3

Genetic modification

Answer 3

The manipulation of an organism’s genetic material using biotechnology

Question 4

Genetically modified organism

GMO

Answer 4

An organism with genetic material that has been altered using genetic engineering technology

Question 5

Rubisco

Answer 5

A pivotal enzyme involved in initial carbon fixation during the light-independent stage of photosynthesis

Question 6

Photorespiration

Answer 6

A wasteful process in plants initiated by Rubisco that limits photosynthesis

Question 7

C3 plants

Answer 7

Plants plants with no evolved adaptation to minimise photorespiration

Question 8

C4 plants

Answer 8

Plants that minimise photorespiration by separating

initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over space

Question 9

CAM plant

Answer 9

Plants that minimise photorespiration by separating

initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over time

Question 10

Arable land

Answer 10

Land that is suitable for growing crops

Question 11

Yield

Answer 11

The amount of agricultural product harvested per area of land