Genetic Alteration and GMOs Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What role do genes play in heredity?

  • They are only present in animals.
  • They carry water and nutrients to cells.
  • They produce energy for the organism.
  • They contain information to specify traits. (correct)

    • What is species composition?

  • The genetic variation within a species
  • The overall health of an ecosystem
  • The amount of biomass in an ecosystem
  • The total number of different living organisms within a given ecosystem (correct)

    • What is pleiotropy in genetic terms?

  • The cloning of specific genes for research.
  • The tendency of traits to be inherited together.
  • The study of genetic variation in populations.
  • One gene influencing multiple traits. (correct)

    • What is the primary concern associated with the expansion of GM herbicide-tolerant crops?

    <p>Loss of habitat for certain species like the monarch butterfly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of biodiversity loss?

    <p>Reduction in food resources and living space for species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes genetic engineering?

    <p>A laboratory-based technology used to alter DNA makeup.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does high biodiversity benefit business?

    <p>It provides a variety of resources and services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does species diversity play in human health?

    <p>It ensures adequate ecosystem services for health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many genes do humans have approximately?

    <p>20,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way invasive species impact ecosystems?

    <p>They may outcompete native species for food and habitat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first successful genetically engineered organism created by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen?

    <p>A strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential ecological consequence can arise from gene flow from genetically modified crops?

    <p>Development of 'superweeds'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible risk associated with the introduction of antibiotic resistance genes into GE organisms?

    <p>Spread of resistance to harmful bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might GM crops impact soil health according to the potential risks outlined?

    <p>They can alter soil microbial communities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concerns relate to the long-term exposure of non-target organisms to toxins from GM crops?

    <p>Decrease in biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technological advancement allows selective modification of the DNA of living organisms?

    <p>CRISPR</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of chemical runoff from GM crops?

    <p>Contamination of local water supplies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way in which the introduction of GM crops might adversely impact non-target species?

    <p>Harm through pesticide exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential consequence of the widespread cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in monoculture systems?

    <p>Vulnerability of ecosystems to pests and diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can genetically engineered crops contribute to the rise of superweeds?

    <p>By leading to the emergence of herbicide-resistant plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a result of genetically modified crops negatively impacting pollinators?

    <p>Disruption of essential ecosystem functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant concern regarding antibiotic resistance related to genetically modified foods?

    <p>They could transfer resistance genes to pathogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential risk associated with the production of new toxins due to genetic engineering in plants?

    <p>Reactivation of inactive toxic pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is essential for a disease to develop from a pathogen?

    <p>Successful invasion of host tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism is an example of a vector that transmits infectious disease pathogens?

    <p>Mosquitoes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be an environmental implication of increased herbicide use due to superweeds?

    <p>Further stress on ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Genetic Alteration

    • Genes carry information determining traits, first observed by Gregor Mendel in 1865.
    • Genes are passed from parents to offspring, containing trait-specific information.
    • Chromosomes house a single DNA molecule, portions of which define genes.
    • Humans have roughly 20,000 genes arranged on chromosomes.
    • Gene alteration modifies genetic makeup, involving selective breeding or genetic engineering.
    • Genetic engineering uses lab techniques to alter an organism's DNA.
    • Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen created the first successful genetically engineered organism in 1973.
    • Rudolf Jaenisch and Beatrice Mintz introduced foreign DNA into mouse embryos.
    • Scientists use CRISPR technology for selective DNA modification.

    Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) vs. Ecosystems

    • GMO expansion can negatively impact biodiversity.
    • Example: herbicide-tolerant crops harming monarch butterfly habitats.
    • One gene can influence multiple unrelated traits (pleiotropy).
    • GMOs may spread modified genes to wild relatives via cross-pollination or hybridization.
    • This can lead to "superweeds" or unintended ecological impacts.
    • GM crops might harm non-target species, potentially reducing biodiversity.
    • GMOs impacting soil and water quality include herbicide tolerance affecting soil health, water contamination, and altering soil microbial communities.

    Resistance in Pests and Weeds

    • Pests and weeds can develop resistance to GMO traits.
    • Herbicide-resistant crops can lead to superweeds.
    • Increased herbicide use may have environmental and health consequences.
    • GM crops can impact ecosystems by displacing native species, especially if they offer ecological advantages that outcompete others.
    • GMOs in ecosystems might disrupt crucial functions such as pollination or nutrient cycling.

    Changes in Life Cycle of Pathogens/Vectors

    • A pathogen's life cycle involves development, reproduction, and survival.
    • Vectors are organisms capable of transmitting infectious diseases.
    • Pathogens (infectious agents) include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
    • Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are illnesses transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
    • VBDs include anthroponotic (human-vector-human) and zoonotic (animal-vector-human) infections.
    • Lifecycle of pathogens depends on transmission between hosts.

    Changing Species Composition

    • Species composition refers to the total number of species in an ecosystem.
    • Species diversity describes variation among species. High diversity is healthier.
    • High biodiversity ensures health, food security, and livelihood protection.
    • Biodiversity loss can lead to significant direct and indirect human health problems.
    • Biodiversity loss through habitat loss, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution can significantly impact numerous systems.
    • Changes in ecosystem services can affect livelihoods, economies, and cause conflict.

    Loss of Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity loss reduces the number of genes, organisms, species, and ecosystems in an area.
    • Loss of biodiversity can have various consequences on the transmission of infectious diseases.
    • Changes in host or vector abundance, behavior, and conditions can influence infection rates.
    • For instance, crop diversity can reduce plant pathogen load.
    • Genetic variation in plantings might induce resistance to pathogens.
    • Human activities disrupt ecosystem structures and functions, altering native biodiversity.

    Government Actions Against Biodiversity Loss

    • Governments can implement restrictions and policies, education, habitat protection, and prevent practices like overhunting, overfishing, deforestation, and pollution.

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    Related Documents

    Genetic Alteration & GMOs Quiz - PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on genetic alteration and its effects on organisms and ecosystems. This quiz explores key concepts from Mendelian genetics to modern CRISPR techniques, and the implications of GMOs on biodiversity. Discover how genetic changes can influence traits and ecological systems.

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