Applied Plant Genetics SAQ's Q & A.docx

What is the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in genetic engineering? ANSWER: CRISPR/Cas9 is used to edit the genome without inserting genes, acting as genetic scissors to cut DNA at a specific target. How does herbicide resistance benefit crop production? ANSWER: Herbicide resistance prevents weed damage to c...

What is the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in genetic engineering? ANSWER: CRISPR/Cas9 is used to edit the genome without inserting genes, acting as genetic scissors to cut DNA at a specific target. How does herbicide resistance benefit crop production? ANSWER: Herbicide resistance prevents weed damage to crops, enhancing germination and establishment of the crops. In what way does gene editing contribute to agricultural sustainability? ANSWER: Gene editing leads to pest and disease-resistant crops, reducing the need for harmful chemical sprays and promoting biodiversity. Describe the process of micropropagation. ANSWER: Micropropagation involves producing plants from tissue cultured in a sterile nutrient medium within a laboratory. What are the economic implications of increased crop yields due to biotechnology? ANSWER: Increased crop yields enhance income and profitability for farmers, meeting the global demand for food. What is the significance of drought resistance in crops? ANSWER: Drought resistance allows crops to survive harsh conditions, reducing the need for irrigation and improving profitability. Explain how gene editing can address global food shortages. ANSWER: Gene editing produces crops that can yield more food per acre, thus helping to meet the increasing global population\'s demand. What ethical considerations arise from the use of biotechnology in agriculture? ANSWER: Ethical considerations include the reduction of chemical use in farming, therefore protecting habitats and promoting biodiversity. What is the primary purpose of genotyping in plants? ANSWER: The primary purpose of genotyping in plants is to determine the differences in the genetic makeup of organisms. Explain the role of genomics in understanding an organism\'s genome. ANSWER: Genomics involves studying the structure and function of an organism\'s complete set of DNA, or genome. List three characteristics that farmers consider when selecting crop varieties. ANSWER: Farmers consider disease resistance, yield, and drought resistance when selecting crop varieties. What differentiates genetic engineering from selective breeding? ANSWER: Genetic engineering involves the artificial manipulation of genes, whereas selective breeding relies on naturally occurring genetic variation. Identify two ethical concerns related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). ANSWER: Two ethical concerns include the potential for unforeseen consequences in ecosystems and the moral implications of altering natural organisms. How do GMO crops contribute to improved soil health? ANSWER: GMO crops contribute to improved soil health by reducing the need for chemical sprays, which minimizes soil damage and compaction. What is a potential risk associated with herbicide-resistant crops? ANSWER: A potential risk is that herbicide-resistant traits may transfer to weeds, making them difficult to control. Describe one advantage of using GMOs in agriculture. ANSWER: One advantage is that disease-resistant GMOs lower the risk of crop diseases, reducing the need for pesticides. What is genetic engineering and how does it relate to genetic improvement? ANSWER: Genetic engineering is the artificial manipulation of a gene, which aims to provide benefits that classify as genetic improvement. Define a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and provide an example. ANSWER: A GMO is a species or variety whose genes have been altered through genetic engineering, such as Bt corn. Explain the concept of natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin. ANSWER: Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more effectively. What is progeny testing and what is its significance in plant breeding? ANSWER: Progeny testing involves comparing a plant\'s offspring to evaluate and select desirable traits under controlled conditions. Discuss the role of performance testing in the context of genetic improvement. ANSWER: Performance testing assesses the effectiveness of certain traits in a plant\'s growth and productivity, informing breeding choices. How does genetic engineering improve agricultural practices? ANSWER: Genetic engineering enhances crops by making them more resistant to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields and reduced chemical use. Describe the implications of using GMOs in modern agriculture. ANSWER: The use of GMOs can lead to increased efficiency in food production and potential ecological impacts due to reduced biodiversity.