Reproduction Flashcards
What is asexual reproduction
No fusion of gametes and only one individual is needed as parent
These genetically identical individuals are clones
How can new plants be produced quickly and cheaply
By taking cuttings from older plants
What is sexual reproduction
Joining of male and female gametes
Mix of genetic info leads to variety in offspring
What do modern cloning techniques include
Tissue culture
Embryo transplants
Adult cell cloning
What is tissue culture
Using small groups of cells from part of a plant
What are embryo transplants
Splitting apart cells from a developing animal embryo before they become specialised
Then transplanting the identical embryo into host mothers
What happens in genetic engineering
genes from the chromosomes of humans and other organisms can be cut out using enzymes and transferred to cells of other organisms
What are gm crops
Crops that have had their genes modified so that they develop desired characteristics
Examples of GM crops are
Ones that are resistant to insect attack or herbicides
What do GM crops show
Increased yields
Disadvantages of gm crops
Effect on populations of wild flowers and insects
Uncertainty about effects of eating GM crops on human health
