blueprint of life 2.5

Question 1

identify how the following current reproductive techniques may alter the genetic composition of a population:

  - artificial insemination
   - artificial pollination
   - cloning

Answer 1

In the case of all the technologies mentioned, the donor gametes or body cells have been carefully selected for predetermined characteristics – or artificially selected. In most cases, one exemplary donor contributes all the genetic material and this results in uniform offspring. Over generations, genetic variability within the species has been reduced.

Question 2

process information from secondary sources to describe a methodology used in cloning organisms

Answer 2

example, clone a cow:

• artificially insert sperm from prize bull into cow
• embryo develops 32 identical cells
• embryo then removed, then mass is separated into 32 identical cells
• microsurgery separates the nucleus form each 32 cells
• genetic material is then inserted into the 32 unfertilized eggs
• each embryo is transplanted into uterus of carrier cows
• each cow gives birth to 32 identical calves ie clones

Question 3

analyse information from secondary sources to identify examples of the use of transgenic species and use available evidence

Answer 3

Transgenic organisms are those that have DNA derived from another species incorporated into their genetic complement. This is done by genetic engineering techniques. Both plants and animals have been genetically modified to create ‘improved’ strains of a particular species
example:
Outcome – larger, faster growing fish
Evaluation – Possible farmed source of fish as food. However, the fish are kept in ponds that offer no escape to the wild because there is much concern that they will upset or destroy natural ecosystems

Question 4

outline the processes used to produce transgenic species and include examples of this process and reasons for its use

Answer 4

snipping and inserting genes from one species to another to create altered organisms. the trate most wanted is selected and using DNA technology the gene is isolated and transferred into a reproducing cell or spliced into the DNA of another organism. this trate is then cloned and introduced into the plant or animal and is called a transgenic organism

Question 5

outline the processes used to produce transgenic species and include examples of this process and reasons for its use

Answer 5

snipping and inserting genes from one species to another to create altered organisms. the trait most wanted is selected and using DNA technology the gene is isolated and transferred into a reproducing cell or spliced into the DNA of another organism. this trait is then cloned and introduced into the plant or animal and is called a transgenic organism

this is used to breed organisms with better traits that aid in resistance to disease and uses for humans like food.

Question 6

analyse information from secondary sources to identify examples of the use of transgenic species and use available evidence

Answer 6

Transgenic organisms are those that have DNA derived from another species incorporated into their genetic complement. This is done by genetic engineering techniques. Both plants and animals have been genetically modified to create ‘improved’ strains of a particular species
example:fish
Outcome – larger, faster growing fish
Evaluation – Possible farmed source of fish as food. However, the fish are kept in ponds that offer no escape to the wild because there is much concern that they will upset or destroy natural ecosystems

Question 7

discuss the potential impact of the use of reproduction technologies on genetic diversity of species using a named plant and animal example that have been genetically altered

Answer 7

reproductive technology’s (cloning)

• potential to both increase and decrease genetic diversity.
• by moving genes from species to species, the genetic diversity is being increased
• rice, have been genetically engineered to suit a particular climate and topography, making then resistant to herbicides and pesticides commonly used in a particular region.

Transgenic animals:

• greater problems with lower success rates so far
• preservation of numbers of endangered species
• first cloned endangered mammal was a guar (an endangered wild ox from SE Asia), but unfortunately it did not survive.