Section 16: Variation and evolution Flashcards
What is variation?
Variation is differences between organisms within the same species or between different species
State 3 causes of variation
Environmental, genetic, combination of both
What is evolution?
The gradual development/ changing of an organism from an earlier form
What is a species?
Organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
What is natural selection?
The process by which evolution takes place - those with favourable characteristics (best suited to environment) more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes
What is selective breeding?
The process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics
State 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of selective breeding.
AD: Desired characteristics can be inherited, increased profit for items that you can increase yield
DIS: Inbreeding - some breeds are prone to disease or inherited defects may not get the characteristics you desire
What is genetic engineering?
The process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic
What structures present in a prokaryote are used in genetic engineering?
Plasmids
What are used to “cut out” and “stick” an inserted section of DNA?
Cut - restriction enzymes
Stick - ligase enzymes
State 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of genetic engineering
AD: Improved growth rates / Increased yield / Increased food quality / Produce human proteins / enzymes as medicine
DIS: Unknown effects on populations of wild flowers / Unknown effects on populations of insects / Some people feel the effects of eating GM crops / Effects on healthy humans have not been fully explored
State 2 uses of genetic engineering
Insulin production, disease resistant crops, monoclonal antibodies
