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
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Explain why one of the foreign genes inserted into the plasmid, codes for resistance to a particular antibiotic.
Answer
Including a gene for antibiotic resistance allows for the identification of bacteria that have taken up the plasmid. After incubation with new plasmids, bacteria are grown on media containing antibiotics. Only those bacteria that have taken up the plasmid will be able to grow on the media.
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 prefer genetically engineered crops to reduce the need for chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to the environment and beneficial insects. Additionally, this reduces the labor and cost associated with regular insecticide application.
Step 6
Suggest one advantage for a farmer to be able to spray his crops with a herbicide.
Answer
An advantage of being able to spray crops with a herbicide is that it allows for the elimination of competing weed species without damaging the crop, leading to better yield and efficiency in crop management.
Step 7
Explain why farmer Y might be concerned about the possibility of his crop being fertilised by pollen from farmer X’s crop.
Answer
Farmer Y might be concerned because if pollen from the GM crop fertilizes his non-GM crop, it could result in unintended cross-pollination, leading to the production of GM plants in his field. This would alter the genetic makeup of his crop, possibly affecting marketability and compliance with regulations against GM organisms.
Step 8
From the data, what conclusions can be drawn about cross-pollination and the gap between crops?
Answer
The trials suggest that increasing the gap between GM and non-GM crops significantly reduces the percentage of cross-pollination. For example, a 10% rate was observed with no gap, while only 1% occurred with a 5-metre gap. This indicates that maintaining adequate distancing is crucial for minimizing cross-pollination risk.