Natural Selection and Genetic Modification

Biotechnology

The use of technology to modify living organisms for various purposes, such as food production and cloning.

Yeast and bread

Yeast, a type of fungi, plays a vital role in breadmaking by fermenting sugars and producing carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise.

Bacteria and Yoghurt

Bacteria fermentation of milk produces yoghurt through the production of lactic acid, solidifying the milk.

Lactase and Lactose-Free Milk

Lactase enzyme breaks down lactose in milk, facilitating the production of lactose-free milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Pectinase in Fruit Juice Production

Pectinase enzyme aids in breaking down pectin in plant cell walls during fruit processing for juice extraction.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms incorporating genes from other species, altering their genetic makeup.

Insulin Production by GMOs

Genetically modified organisms like E. coli are used to produce insulin, requiring purification for human use.

Golden Rice

Genetically modified rice with enhanced nutritional value.

Pentadactyl Limbs

Limbs with five digits found in various species, indicating a common evolutionary ancestor.

Evolutionary Trees

Diagrams showing relationships between species, based on current and fossil data, illustrating common ancestry and speciation.

Theories of Evolution

Concepts that emerged in the 18th century challenging creationist views, with Charles Darwin's theory being foundational in modern evolutionary biology.

Natural Selection

Darwin's key concept involving variation in characteristics, survival of the fittest, and hereditary transmission of traits over generations.

Lamarck

Proposed an alternative theory of evolution emphasizing the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

Genetic Variation

Differences among individuals within a species, crucial for evolution and adaptation.

Cloning

Process of creating identical copies of an organism or cells, with benefits in genetic research, medical treatments, and conservation efforts.

Genetic Engineering

Involves introducing genes from one organism into another to introduce desirable characteristics, with mechanisms like using bacteria and enzymes for gene isolation.

Selective Breeding

Involves choosing organisms with desired traits for breeding to increase the frequency of those traits in the population, with applications in plants and animals.

Genetic Variation

The diversity of alleles and genotypes within a population.

Reduced Defenses

Decrease in the ability of animals and plants to protect themselves against diseases and insect attacks due to decreased genetic variation.

Catastrophic Consequences

Severe and potentially disastrous outcomes for a species that has reduced genetic variation.

Ethical Concerns

Moral issues arising from purposefully breeding organisms with harmful characteristics for research or other purposes.

Inbreeding Defects

Genetic defects and health issues that can arise in organisms, such as dogs, due to inbreeding practices.