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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of agricultural biotechnology?
What is the primary goal of agricultural biotechnology?
- To eliminate traditional farming methods entirely
- To modify and improve plants and microorganisms for agricultural purposes (correct)
- To solely increase the aesthetic value of crops
- To create hybrid plants through cross-pollination
Which technique involves the deliberate modification of an organism's DNA?
Which technique involves the deliberate modification of an organism's DNA?
- Genetic Modification (correct)
- Molecular Breeding
- Microbial Fermentation
- Plant Tissue Culture
What is a key benefit of using biotechnology in crop improvement?
What is a key benefit of using biotechnology in crop improvement?
- Developing crops that are resistant to pests and diseases (correct)
- Eliminating the need for fertilizers
- Decreasing crop yield for sustainable practices
- Creating crops with undesirable traits
How does plant tissue culture benefit agricultural practices?
How does plant tissue culture benefit agricultural practices?
Which of the following best describes molecular breeding?
Which of the following best describes molecular breeding?
Which aspect of biotechnology allows for the development of beneficial microorganisms in soil?
Which aspect of biotechnology allows for the development of beneficial microorganisms in soil?
What role does agricultural biotechnology play in sustainable farming?
What role does agricultural biotechnology play in sustainable farming?
What do GM crops primarily aim to achieve?
What do GM crops primarily aim to achieve?
What is a key benefit of genetically modified (GM) crops in relation to global food security?
What is a key benefit of genetically modified (GM) crops in relation to global food security?
Which of the following traits of GM crops contributes to reducing the use of chemical insecticides?
Which of the following traits of GM crops contributes to reducing the use of chemical insecticides?
In South Africa, what percentage of cotton crops are genetically modified?
In South Africa, what percentage of cotton crops are genetically modified?
What percentage of soybeans in the United States are genetically modified?
What percentage of soybeans in the United States are genetically modified?
What ethical consideration should be taken into account with the adoption of biotechnology in agriculture?
What ethical consideration should be taken into account with the adoption of biotechnology in agriculture?
How do GM crops with herbicide tolerance benefit the environment?
How do GM crops with herbicide tolerance benefit the environment?
What role do genetically modified crops play in addressing malnutrition?
What role do genetically modified crops play in addressing malnutrition?
What is the primary purpose of engineering GM crops for specific traits?
What is the primary purpose of engineering GM crops for specific traits?
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Study Notes
Agricultural Biotechnology
- Agricultural biotechnology involves using scientific techniques to modify and improve plants and microorganisms for farming purposes.
- It utilizes molecular biology to improve agricultural practices, address challenges like abiotic and biotic stress, and enhance crop productivity.
Key Aspects
- Genetic Modification: This involves altering an organism's DNA by inserting, deleting, or modifying genes.
- Crop Improvement: Genetic engineering leads to crops with specific traits like pest resistance, disease tolerance, improved nutrition, and higher yields.
- Microbial Biotechnology: This involves the development of beneficial microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and improve plant growth.
- Plant Tissue Culture: This technique allows for the propagation of plants in a controlled environment, producing disease-free and genetically identical plants.
- Molecular Breeding: Using molecular markers and genetic techniques, this process helps identify and select desirable plant traits for developing new crop varieties.
Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops
- Genetically modified (GM) crops have specific traits engineered into their DNA.
- These traits can include insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutritional content.
- The adoption of GM crops is steadily increasing worldwide.
Adoption of GM Crops in the United States
- The US has a significant adoption of GM crops.
- Approximately 94% of soybeans, 92% of maize (corn), and 96% of cotton are genetically modified.
Adoption of GM Crops in South Africa
- South Africa also embraces GM crops.
- About 94% of maize, 95% of soybeans, and all cotton are genetically modified.
Impact on Global Food Security
- GM crops enhance global food security through:
- Increased crop yields leading to more abundant and affordable food.
- Enhanced nutritional content helping to address malnutrition.
Impact on the Environment - Insect Resistance
- GM crops with insect resistance can reduce reliance on chemical insecticides.
- This leads to less active ingredient usage, improving the environment.
- GM crops with herbicide tolerance can benefit the environment.
- They allow for more efficient weed control by using less harmful herbicides.
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