genetically modified crop plants Flashcards
1
Q
GM crops
A
- artificial selection of plants (selective breeding)
2
Q
Why are crops genetically transformed?
A
- exact desired traits
- can combine any two plants
- GMO, inserted gene is a trasngene
3
Q
is genetic engineering a modern development based on indigenous knowledge?
A
- generational
- transgenic technology allows for specific gene selection and identification
- generate more productive and useful crop varieties
- more controlled and faster as previously
- may be complimentary however can be seen as branching off from each other
4
Q
how are plants transformed?
A
- ‘gene gun’ method
- pellets of metal coated in DNA fired into plant cells
- cells taking up DNA can be cloned, then grown
- recombinant DNA techniques (allowed for more control in DNA introduction)
5
Q
Transformation using TI plasmid
A
- TI plasmind from soil bacteria (agrobacterium tumerfaciens) cause galls in plants
- TI removed from bacteria and restiction enzyme cuts plasmid
- ligase splices the transgene into plasmid
- plasmid introduced into plant cell’s chromosomal DNA
- grown by tissue culture
- planted to grow
- extensively tested, grown in different environmental conditions
6
Q
What is plant tissue culture?
A
- to produce clones
- micropropagation
- lots of plants from tiny pieces from parent in sterile agar jelly
- number of cells taken
- transferred to plates with jelly
- hormones added to stimulate
- rapid growth
- more growth hormones added to stimulate roots
- plantlets transferred into potting trays
7
Q
what is polyploidy
A
- a condition of having more than two copies of chromosomes
- common in ferns
- hybridation
- bread wheat (6n)
- larger flowers
- larger fruits
- larger storage organs
- seedless fruit
- resistence to disease
8
Q
advantages of GM crops
A
- increased yields
- protect and preserve the environment
- resistance to pests and herbicides
- nutrient value
- taste, quality
- resistance to weather extremes
9
Q
resurrection plants
A
- drought tolerant plants
- survive on 5% of their water content
10
Q
disadvantages of GM crops
A
- ethical and environmental issues
- health risks to humans
- economics
11
Q
GM crops
A
- costly (expense, sophistication)
- pesticide-resistance gene (wild life)
- threat of biodiversity
- vulnerable to climate change
- interbreed with wild plants (future issues)
- disrupt normal gene function (human or animal)
- allergies
12
Q
How safe is food produced?
A
- assessed by genetic resource centre (GRC)
- lack of evidence
- possibility to long term effects
13
Q
ethical questions
A
- right to change course of nature?
- who decides on safety?
- can ‘new’ organisms be patented?
- will developing countries become more reliant of wealthy countries?
- government implement biosafety protocols?
- agriculture to be controlled by biotechnology corporations?
- money benefits?
14
Q
release of GMO’s controlled?
A
- in SA (department of agriculture) GMOA (genetically modified organisms act) consider applications
- regulate the international trade (accounts for human health risk)
- countries follow protocol, to agree in advance to imports of GE crops (advance informed agreement, AIA) forcing for receiving countries consent
- international law, explicit requirements for precaution
- 100 countries have signed agreement
15
Q
what about environment watchdogs?
A
- biowatch
- safeage
- monitor and research issues of GM
- make aware of potential problems
