Biology Forums - Study Force

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of self-pollination.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Using your own words explain how Dr. Rodriguez genetically engineered rice. Start with the DNA strand of interest and end with an adult recombinant rice plant.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Answer to q. 1

Advantages: Another flower is not needed for pollination. A greater probability of breeding true and maintaining certain desirable characteristics. Disadvantages: Less variation in offspring. In an evolutionary sense this could affect the long -term survival of the species (less ability to adapt to changing environments). Mutations may have a greater probability of appearing (inbreeding). Lack of hybrid vigor.

Answer to q. 2

The purpose of this question is to encourage students to think about the general steps involved in plant biotechnology. Many different steps could be included in this response but the best answers should include most of the following: (a) The desired recombinant DNA needs to be engineered and combined with the proper gene regulatory elements. (b) The rice plants are grown in tissue culture in order to produce cells to receive the new DNA. (c) Using a gene gun or other appropriate technology the recombinant DNA is inserted into the tissue culture cells. (Students may want to expand here). (d) Applying the proper hormones induces cell differentiation and small rice plantlets develop. (e) The plantlets are grown in the greenhouse to adult rice plants. Further genetic testing and plant breeding may follow.

Thank you

Can you answer the others that I've posted too? :sweat:

I'll take a quick look at them