biology lesson 1

Q: What is selective breeding?

A: The intentional choosing of organisms with desirable traits to reproduce.

Q: Give one example of an organism improved through selective breeding.

A: Pugs, corn (teosinte → maize), banana, or modern roses.

Q: What is carrying capacity?

A: The maximum population size an environment can support.

Q: What causes changes in carrying capacity?

Q: A: Human population growth, limited resources, and climate change.

Q: Define genetic engineering.

A: The manipulation of DNA to change or modify traits using recombinant DNA technology.

Q: What are three goals of genetic engineering?

A: Introduce new traits, enhance traits, or remove inhibitory traits.

Q: What is a GMO?

A: An organism whose DNA has been artificially altered

Q: What is the first step in genetic engineering?

A: Isolating the plasmid from a bacterium

Q: What is recombinant DNA?

A: DNA that combines a plasmid with a gene of interest

Q: What is transformation in genetic engineering?

A: The process where bacteria take up the recombinant plasmid.

Q: What happens during cloning in genetic engineering?

A: Modified bacteria multiply and produce many copies of the gene.

Q: Give one advantage of genetic engineering.

A: Higher crop yield, pest resistance, improved nutrition, production of medicines.

Q: Give one disadvantage of genetic engineering

A: Ethical issues, environmental impact, possible mutations, and decreased biodiversity.