Genetic Alteration and GMOs Quiz

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.

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.