Cloning and Biotechnology

Question 1

What is a batch culture?

Answer 1

The microorganisms are place in the fermenter in a nutrient medium. No other nutrients are added. After a set time period, the fermenter is drained and the products are harvested.

Question 2

What is continuous culture?

Answer 2

Nutrients are added to the fermenter and products are removed at intervals.

Question 3

Give an example of something produced in a continuous culture?

Answer 3

Human insulin synthesised by genetically modified bacteria, E. coli, is produced in this way.

Question 4

Give an example of something produced in a batch culture?

Answer 4

Penicillin is produced in this way.

Question 5

Describe the lag phase

Answer 5

slow growth - microbes are adapting to the conditions, excess nutrients, and space.

Question 6

Describe the exponential (log) phase

Answer 6

rapid growth in population size: each generation doubles the population number

Question 7

Describe the stationary phase

Answer 7

no growth - the death rate equals the rate at which new individuals are being produced; waste materials and metabolic products start to build up

Question 8

Describe the death/decline phase

Answer 8

negative growth - microorganisms start to die as nutrients are exhausted and levels of waste products and metabolites increase. Eventually all the microorganisms will die.

Question 9

Give four examples of plants producing clones naturally

Answer 9

tubers, runners, bulbs, rhizomes

Question 10

Give an example of a plant that produces tubers

Answer 10

potatoes

Question 11

Give an example of a plant that produces runners

Answer 11

strawberry plants

Question 12

Give examples of plants that produce bulbs

Answer 12

daffodils, onions

Question 13

Give examples of plants that produce rhizomes

Answer 13

irises, ginger, turmeric

Question 14

Give advantages of artificial cloning in plants

Answer 14

• large numbers of quality, identical plants can be produced quickly
• many clones may be raised from GM material
• seedless, sterile varieties can be grown to meet consumer taste, such as grapes
• rare and endangered plants can be propagated

Question 15

Give disadvantages of artificial cloning in plants

Answer 15

• a monoculture is produced where all clones are susceptible to the same disease
• production is expensive
• production requires skilled technicians
• plants may become infected during production