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Current reproductive techniques can be used to alter the genetic composition of a population - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 9
Current reproductive techniques can be used to alter the genetic composition of a population. Some of these methods were also used in the nineteenth century by Grego... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Current reproductive techniques can be used to alter the genetic composition of a population - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
How did Mendel use reproductive techniques in his experiments?
Answer
Gregor Mendel is renowned for his foundational work in genetics, particularly through his experiments with pea plants. Among the options given:
(A) Inseminating pea plants was not part of his methodology as he did not utilize artificial insemination.
(B) Mendel did not clone the plants; his focus was on selective breeding, not cloning.
(C) While he did cross different varieties of pea plants, the term "transgenic species" implies a modern genetic modification, which was not applicable in Mendel's time.
(D) Mendel specifically utilized artificial pollination in his experiments to control the fertilization process and test for various genotypes. This was a crucial part of his research that allowed him to derive his laws of inheritance.
Thus, the correct answer that accurately reflects Mendel's methods is (D). He artificially pollinated the pea plants to test for different genotypes in the offspring.