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Many transgenic crops have been genetically engineered to have traits such as herbicide resistance - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 11
Many transgenic crops have been genetically engineered to have traits such as herbicide resistance. In at least four different crops the transgene has been found in ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many transgenic crops have been genetically engineered to have traits such as herbicide resistance - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the most likely reason for this observation?
Answer
The most likely reason for the observation of transgenes being found in nearby wild plant relatives of cultivated crops is B. Gene flow from the crops to the wild plants.
This phenomenon, known as gene flow, typically occurs when pollen from genetically engineered crops is transferred to wild plant relatives, allowing for the introduction of engineered traits, such as herbicide resistance, into the wild populations. This can occur naturally through pollination or through agricultural practices that inadvertently facilitate the mixing of genetic material.