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A US company has recently released what is believed to be the first designer transgenic pet - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 5
A US company has recently released what is believed to be the first designer transgenic pet. The 'Glofish' is derived from the zebra fish, which is normally silver w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A US company has recently released what is believed to be the first designer transgenic pet - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
What feature of the genetic code makes it possible for a gene to be transferred from one species to another and to be expressed in the second species?
Answer
The genetic code is universal, meaning that the codons in mRNA code for the same amino acids across different species. This allows genes from one organism to be correctly translated and expressed in another organism regardless of the species differences.
Step 2
What steps are required, within the zebra fish cells, for the sea coral gene to be expressed?
Answer
The process starts with the transcription of the coral gene from DNA to mRNA in the nucleus. Subsequently, the mRNA is translated in the cytoplasm at the ribosome, which assembles a polypeptide protein as instructed by the mRNA molecule. This protein is the visible characteristic that arises from the expression of the sea coral gene.
Step 3
Predict the chance of survival of the Glofish if it were released into the natural environment of the zebra fish. Explain your answer.
Answer
The survival of the Glofish is likely to be low in the natural environment of the zebra fish. Due to its unique reddish coloring and luminescent properties, it may be more noticeable to predators than the typical silver zebra fish. This could expose it to a higher risk of predation, leading to a decrease in its population over time. The environmental difference may also result in challenges related to social and reproductive acceptance among the zebra fish population.