Photo AI
Genes can be transferred from one species to another in different ways - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 4
Genes can be transferred from one species to another in different ways. One method is to use plasmids, circular pieces of DNA found in some bacteria. In this method,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Genes can be transferred from one species to another in different ways - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the name given to a plasmid that is used to transfer DNA from one organism to another?
Answer
The name given to a plasmid that is used to transfer DNA from one organism to another is a 'vector' or 'recombinant plasmid'. These plasmids can carry foreign DNA into host cells, facilitating gene transfer.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Explain why one of the foreign genes inserted into the plasmid, codes for resistance to a particular antibiotic. This gene is important in the plasmid’s use.
Answer
The foreign gene that codes for resistance to a particular antibiotic is important because it aids in the selection of successfully transformed bacteria. When bacteria take up the plasmid with the antibiotic resistance gene, they can survive in the presence of that antibiotic. This selection process ensures that only those bacteria retaining the plasmid can grow, enabling researchers to identify and isolate them effectively.
Step 5
Explain why a farmer might choose to grow a crop that was genetically engineered to be resistant to insects, rather than spray the crop with insecticide.
Answer
A farmer might choose to grow genetically engineered (GM) crops that are resistant to insects as it reduces the need for chemical insecticides. This can lower costs and minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment. Additionally, GM crops can lead to higher yields as they face fewer pest-related losses, allowing for more sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Step 6
Suggest one advantage for a farmer to be able to spray his crops with a herbicide.
Answer
One advantage for a farmer to spray crops with a herbicide is that it allows for better weed control, which can improve crop yields. Herbicide-resistant crops enable farmers to apply these chemicals selectively, targeting weeds without harming the crops, thus facilitating easier crop management and improving efficiency in farming operations.
Step 7
From the data, what conclusions can be drawn about cross-pollination and the gap between crops?
Answer
The data suggests that increasing the gap between GM and non-GM crops significantly reduces the percentage of cross-pollination. For example, in Trial 1 with no gap, there was a 10% cross-pollination rate at the edge of the non-GM crop, while Trials 2 and 3 showed much lower rates with increasing gaps (1% and 1% respectively). This indicates that spatial separation is effective in minimizing gene flow between GM and non-GM crops, which is important for farmers concerned about preserving the integrity of non-GM crops.