GMOs and Plant Biology Notes

What leads to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

intentionally modifies genetic material.

asexual organisms like bacteria undergo genetic changes like

random genetic mutations that introduce variation.

What is the World Health Organization's definition of a GMO?

An organism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally.

What is the difference between variation in GMOs and natural processes?

Variation in GMOs results from lab-based genetic manipulation, not natural processes.

What is 'transgenic' derived from?

The prefix 'trans-' means 'across', indicating genes from different species.

What is the purpose of selective breeding?

To identify natural variation in traits and breed individuals with similar characteristics.

Who is Gregor Mendel?

A scientist who contributed to genetics through his work on selective breeding in pea plants.

What is an example of biotechnology products produced by GM bacteria?

Human insulin and vaccines like the one for hepatitis B.

How can GMOs help in pest management?

By producing crops that are resistant to pests.

What adaptations have plants made for life on land?

Features like a cuticle to reduce water loss and stomata for gas exchange.

What does it mean for plants to have vascular tissue?

Vascular plants have tissues that move substances from roots to other body regions.

What defines bryophytes?

Nonvascular plants that do not produce seeds and have swimming sperm.

What types of plants are included in seedless vascular plants?

Ferns, club mosses, spike mosses, and whisk ferns.

What are the primary characteristics of gymnosperms?

They are seed plants that produce seeds in cones or expose them.

How do angiosperms disperse seeds?

They produce flowers and fruits, with seeds dispersed inside the fruit.

What are the cornerstones of our food supply that result from selective breeding?

Corn, sweet potatoes, rice, and wheat.

What are some potential future directions for plant modification?

Developing crops that are heat and drought resistant, and faster-growing fish and animals.

What is a GMO?

(genetically modified organism) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or mutation.

What does genetic engineering involve?

is the process that uses lab-based technology to alter the DNA of an organism.

What is a transgenic organism?

has DNA that includes genes from different species, resulting in genetic material that is 'across' species.

What is a cisgenic GMO?

is an organism that has genes inserted from another individual of the same species.

How long have humans been altering the genetics of other organisms?

through selective breeding for a very long time.

What was the first GMO approved for human consumption?

was the Flavr-savr tomato, invented in 1994.

What are some benefits of GMOs in agriculture?

climate change resilience, pest management, and increased crop production.

How have GM bacteria been used in medicine?

by being produced by human insulin and vaccines, among other pharmaceutical compounds.

What is bioremediation?

is the use of organisms to clean the environment, such as breaking down toxic chemicals.

What are the major groups of plants?

are bryophytes, seedless vascular plants, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

What is the alternation of generation in plant life cycles?

is the life cycle of plants where a diploid sporophyte alternates with a haploid gametophyte.

What roles do xylem and phloem serve in vascular plants?

Xylem distributes water and minerals, while phloem distributes sugars produced by photosynthesis.

What is a pollen grain?

is a walled, immature gametophyte that will give rise to male gametes (sperm).

What is unique about gymnosperms?

have seeds that are exposed or contained within cones and produce pollen.

What are angiosperms known for?

producing flowers and fruits, and comprise about 95% of living plant species.

What is selective breeding?

is the process of breeding individuals with specific traits to produce offspring that express those traits.

What are some risks associated with GMOs?

creating 'super-weeds', potential health concerns like allergic reactions, and impact on non-pest species.

What is the primary function of leaves in plants?

is to capture sunlight for photosynthesis and facilitate gas exchange.

How do bryophytes reproduce?

by using spores and require a moist habitat due to their swimming sperm.

What distinguishes seedless vascular plants from bryophytes?

Seedless vascular plants have vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) and a dominant sporophyte life cycle.

What is the role of stomata in plants?

are pores that allow gas exchange for photosynthesis and can be closed to reduce water loss.

What is a seed?

it consists of an embryo sporophyte and some nutritive tissue enclosed inside a waterproof coat.

What is the purpose of genetic modifications in animals?

it is to aim to produce human products, enhance disease resistance, and study human diseases.

What is xenotransplantation?

is the genetic engineering of animals, like pigs, to provide organs for human transplants.

What have been some advancements in GM crop production in the US?

insect-resistant corn and herbicide-tolerant soybeans, which were released between 1995 and 2006.

What are fronds in ferns?

are the leaves of fern plants, which usually grow out from rhizomes.

What is lignin's role in vascular plants?

the walls of xylem cells, providing structural support.