BITC1311 Intro to Biotechnology

BIOL1414 Introduction to Biotechnology Chapter 6 Guided Notes Plant Biotechnology

1. There are over 40 crop plants that have been genetically modified by DNA technology. Name some that you use in your household. What percentages of the U.S. soybean and corn crops are transgenic?

2. Describe two major advantages that DNA technology offers in our ability to make genetic improvements of crop plants.

3. Describe some ways with which plants lend themselves well towards genetic modification by DNA technology.

4. List 4 means of introducing DNA into plant host cells, describing some limitations and some advantages of each strategy.

5. What is an advantage to the introduction of recombinant DNA into the chloroplast, rather than nuclear, chromosomes? Why is this technically challenging?

6. Explain how antisense technology works to suppress gene expression. What is an example of a recombinant product which uses this strategy?

7. How do plant vaccines work?

8. What are some general applications of recombinant DNA technology in horticulture? a. Explain how the Bacillus thurengiensis toxin is being used in genetically modified crops. What are some advantages to this method of pest control? What effects do Bt crops have on the monarch butterfly? b. What are some trade names for glyphosphate herbicides and how do these herbicides kill plants? How do ‘Round Up-Ready’ plants overcome this herbicide sensitivity? c. How has DNA technology improved cotton and rice crops?

9. What are some consumer concerns about recombinant DNA in their food supply? How valid do you consider their concerns?

10. In what ways are transgenic crops considered beneficial to the health of the environment, and in what ways could they disrupt the environment? a. Given the possible risk to the environment, what sorts of benefits do you think would be necessary to justify the widespread use of transgenic crops? b. How can excision technology overcome some of the objections that the public has to transgenic crops?

11. By what criteria does the FDA evaluate new transgenic foods that it regulates?