Biotechnology and DNA profiling in Agriculture

Question 1

what are 4 desirable traits GMOs and DNA profiling are used for

Answer 1

1. resistance
2. faster growth rate
3. greater product quality and yield
4. tolerance to adverse environmental conditions

Question 2

what are two examples of GMOs providing resistance-related traits

Answer 2

1. Monsantos ready roundup
2. Bt cotton

Question 3

describe how Monsanto’s triple-stack corn can provide resistance

Answer 3

Normal roundup not only will kill weeds but can also the actual crop. Monsanto roundup extracted a gene from agrobacterium that provides resistance to glyphosate.

Question 4

describe how Bt cotton can provide resistance

Answer 4

Genes from a bacterium called Bt that make proteins toxic to bollworms are inserted into cotton plants to protect them against bollworms and cotton budworms.

Question 5

what are two examples of GMOs that provide a faster growth rate

Answer 5

1. AcquaAdvantage salmon
2. sheep

Question 6

describe how AquaAdvantage provides a faster growth rate

Answer 6

A growth-regulating gene from the pacific chinook salmon is inserted into Atlantic salmon, causing them to reach their full length in 18 months instead of 3 years.

Question 7

describe how GMOs in sheep can provide a greater growth rate

Answer 7

A gene is inserted for cysteine that leads to greater wool production

Question 8

what are two examples of GMOs that demonstrate greater product quality and yield

Answer 8

1. golden rice
2. tomatoes

Question 9

describe how golden rice provides a greater product quality and yield

Answer 9

Is a genetically modified, biofortified crop. Biofortification increases the nutritional value of crops. Golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta carotene, which is not normally present in rice. Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A when metabolized by the human body.

Question 10

describe how GMOs in tomatoes can provide greater product quality and yield

Answer 10

An enzyme that causes ripening is turned off to extend shelf life.

Question 11

what are 2 examples of GMOs demonstrating tolerance to adverse environmental conditions

Answer 11

1. Monsantos drought-tolerant GM corn
2. salt tolerant crops

Question 12

describe how GMOs will allow tolerance to adverse environmental conditions

Answer 12

This new variant of corn was genetically modified to sustain water-limited conditions. The drought tolerance trait is conferred by the expression of a single bacterial gene.

Question 13

what are the four benefits of GMOs in agriculture

Answer 13

1. improves crop productivity
2. improves the nutritional value
3. better flavour
4. fresher produce