Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hybridization involves the crossing of two dissimilar species to produce an offspring that manifests the best traits of the parents. This process involves taking advantage of the organism’s best trait in order to pass it on to the next generation.

C. hybridization

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Inbreeding is the process of crossing two similar species to produce an offspring that contains similar characteristics of the parents. This is done to ensure that the best characteristic of that organism is preserved throughout many generations.

A. inbreeding

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Selective breeding involves taking advantage of the organism’s best trait in order to reproduce an offspring with the same trait. In this way, good traits are passed on to the next generation and reduce the possibility of acquiring genetic defects.

A. selective breeding

Genetic engineers and breeders employ the method of inducing mutations to organisms to increase the genetic variation among them. The result of this process often leads to organisms with characteristics that are not common in the original population.

Polyploidy is a condition that occurs when an organism has extra sets of chromosomes. This is only observed in most plants since animals are unable to tolerate this condition. In plants that have extra chromosomes, they are usually larger and stronger in terms of its morphology.

Because of polyploidy, crops are being widely researched by scientists in order to increase the plant biodiversity and the crop varieties in the market. They are also widely reproduced by farmers to increase their income.

The correct answer is A. Transgenic is the term used to describe organisms that contain genetic material from the DNA of another organism that is not related to them. In this case, transgenic organisms refer to the individuals that are produced when a recombinant DNA inserts into the genome of a host.

A. transgenic

The correct answer is C. A complete transformation happens when the recombinant DNA is able to implant itself into the DNA of the transformed cell. In this way, they become integrated into the host cell’s genome.

C. becomes part of the transformed cell’s genome

The correct answer is C. A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule that is found in a bacterial cell. Since it is located outside of the bacterial chromosome, it accepts foreign DNA and replicates independently. When it is transferred into the new individual, it inserts itself into the DNA of the host cell. In this way, it can replicate and complete the transformation. This is the reason why plasmids are used to rewrite the genome of individuals.

C. plasmids

The correct answer is A. The term cloning is a technique that involves the use of an individual’s cell and reproduces it asexually into a new organism called a clone. Clones are the exact genetic copies of individuals.

A. clone

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used by scientists to replicate many copies of DNA sequences in less than a day.

During a polymerase chain reaction, smaller segments of DNA are being copied. The first stage of this process occurs when the DNA is heated to produce two single strands that are separated. Once cooled, the primers bind to one of the strands and the process of replicating starts with the help of the DNA polymerase. New copies are usually placed between the primers.

A genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence that is used to detect a chromosome or genes on a genetic map. Scientists use this to differentiate certain individuals in a population. Moreover, they use this to detect the bacterial cells that contain plasmid.

A transgenic plant has a genome that is genetically modified. Usually, it contains genetic material from the DNA of another organism that is not related to them. This organism is a product of genetic engineering.

On the other hand, a hybrid plant is an offspring from the crossing of two dissimilar species via fertilization. It manifests the DNA of both parents.

The correct answer is B. The plant cells of genetically modified crops are often transformed using Agrobacterium which contains a resistance gene. This gives the GM crop plant resistance against insects, viral infections, and herbicides.

B. resistance to herbicides

The correct answer is C. Unlike the traditional white rice, the golden rice has been genetically modified to contain provitamin A. This development is known to prevent vitamin A deficiency. When a person suffers from vitamin A deficiency, it may lead to serious medical conditions such as night blindness.

C. vitamin A deficiency

The correct answer is A. A DNA microarray is usually used in measuring the activity levels or expression levels of many genes simultaneously.

A. a DNA microarray

DNA microarrays can distinguish the differences in gene expression of normal cells and cancer cells. By looking at the genes that are active and inactive in cells, they are able to identify which one is normal or not. Through this method, scientists have identified that cancer cells have a higher level of gene expression than the normal cells.

The term DNA fingerprinting refers to a molecular biology tool that allows the scientists to identify individuals using sections of their DNA. Here are the important uses of DNA fingerprinting:

a. Forensics: This is a helpful method that is used by law enforcers in their criminal investigations. It can identify bodies and track down suspects.

b. Medicine: This technique helps in establishing paternity and other blood relatives.

The correct answer is C. A patent is a legal tool that contains the exclusive right for profit. It is given to an individual or a company in order to protect their discoveries and gain profit from them.

C. obtaining a patent

Obtaining a gene patent is expensive. For example, GM seeds have a costly patent. This results in an increase in the cost of the seeds, which is an event that puts out small farms out of business.

You may pick one of the arguments against genetically modified (GM) foods here:

1. The trait of GM plants that allow them to resist crop pests and insects would endanger the population of beneficial insects that ensure the balance within the ecosystem.
2. GM seeds have a costly patent. This results in an increase in the cost of the seeds, which is an event that puts out small farms out of business.
3. GMOs increase the use of herbicides.
4. Mixing the genes of organisms may produce new toxins, allergens or other unpredictable, harmful side effects in humans.

The breeder must cross-breed the flowers by getting the desired trait from each flower species. First, the thornless pink roses and sweet-smelling yellow roses must be crossed to obtain a thornless rose with a sweet scent. Then, the thornless, sweet-smelling rose must be crossed with the scentless purple flowers to obtain a pure variety of thornless, purple flowers that have a sweet scent.

Similarity: Hybridization and inbreeding fall under the category of selective breeding. Both processes involve taking advantage of the organism’s best trait in order to pass it on to the next generation.

Difference: Hybridization involves the crossing of two dissimilar species to produce an offspring that manifests the best traits of the parents. On the other hand, inbreeding is the process of crossing two similar species to produce an offspring that contains similar characteristics of the parents. This is done to ensure that the best characteristic of that organism is preserved throughout many generations.

Salmonella strains can be used to fight tumor cells in cancer therapies through transgenic technology. The bacterial cell can be used as a recombinant DNA that can be inserted into the nucleus of the host cell. Once the DNA is successfully integrated into the chromosomes, it may start to replicate and deactivate the tumor-producing cells.

A human’s body is designed to attack foreign substances that do not belong in its system. In this case, the sugar molecule found in the cells of pigs is a substance that is not found in humans. This alerts the immune system to reject and attack the organ tissues of the pig and causes the organ transplant to fail.

In order to resolve this problem, eliminating the sugar molecule in the pig tissues via genetic engineering can minimize the effect of the immune system response in humans.

The answer is no. Only gene modifications in the reproductive cells can be passed on to the next generation. Since the bone marrow cells are somatic and diploid, they are not involved in reproduction. Moreover, altering the bone marrow can only transform the composition of the white blood cells and platelets.

One similarity between the DNA of humans and bacteria is their common genetic code. This is the reason why bacteria can translate the human gene to make a protein.

In DNA fingerprinting, the sections of the DNA that have no function are the ones being studied to identify individuals. In this process, small samples of DNA are cut into fragments using restriction enzymes. In separating the DNA fragments, the process involves gel electrophoresis.

In electrophoresis, DNA, RNA, and proteins are separated according to their sizes. When the scientists detected the DNA fragments that contain repeats, they are labeled with radioactive probes.
This step results to the DNA fingerprint, which is the series of bands or patterns that can be analyzed whether it matches to a particular person or individual.

Unlike the production of GMOs, selective breeding does not involve the transgenic technology in which the organism has a genome that contains the DNA of a different organism.

In selective breeding, the reproduction between individuals is controlled. Farmers select the organisms that have the best traits and breed them. On the other hand, GMOs are produced once their DNA are modified using genetic engineering. This is done in order to introduce a new trait that is not found in natural species.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a genome that is located in the mitochondria. It is a valuable tool that can be used in establishing maternity because it can be passed from mothers to their child. In this case, the mtDNA of your mother is the same as yours.

The technique used in this producing this result is DNA fingerprinting. In DNA fingerprinting, restriction enzymes are used to cut the DNA samples into small fragments. Next, the fragments are separated according to their sizes using gel electrophoresis.

When the scientists detected the DNA fragments that contain repeats, they are labeled with radioactive probes. This step results to the DNA fingerprint, which is the series of bands or patterns that can be analyzed whether it matches to a particular person or individual.

The results show that the blood from the jeans (J) have bands that match the bands from the shirt (S). However, their difference is that the bands found in the shirt have a darker stain than the ones found in the jeans.

Based on the results, the blood on the defendant’s clothes did not come from the defendant. Instead, the blood came from the victim.

Deficiency in vitamin A, which leads to adult night blindness and infancy blindness, can now be addressed by consuming golden rice. Unlike the traditional white rice, the golden rice has been genetically modified to contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant and a vitamin A precursor. This development is considered a great solution in preventing vitamin A deficiency and maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune system.

Aside from this GM crop, there are also other alternatives that would yield the same benefits. Large concentrations of vitamin A are found in fish oils and liver. In this case, fish oil and liver supplements are known to help increase the intake of vitamin A. In addition, leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, and fruits, and tomato products are rich in vitamin A too. Adding such foods and supplements into our daily diet would be a great alternative to GM crops.

However, one challenge that is faced by the implementation of the alternative solutions is the conflict of interest between the companies and farmers that produce GMOs and the private groups that point out the potential hazards of GMOs. This conflict might affect the price of the products in the market. In addition, organic and non-GMO foods are more expensive compared to the mass produced GM foods.

Genetically modified insulin is produced through the help of transgenic technology. This has been responsible for producing a larger supply of insulin at a faster rate. This has allowed the diabetic patients to get access to an unlimited supply of insulin.

However, the disadvantages of GM insulin is the bad reactions it caused in some diabetic patients. Some people have difficulty using human insulin. In this case, they found it more difficult to acquire the GM insulin from pigs.

The DNA sequences of a plasmid have the ability to replicate independently since they are separated from the chromosomal DNA. In addition, bacteria and other organisms have a common genetic code. This means that the bacterial cell can translate the genome of other organisms in order to reproduce the protein.

According to the table, the use of GM crops on a farm has led in an increase of 21.6% in terms of the crop yield.

According to the table, the impact of using GM crops on a farm is an increase of 68.2% in terms of the profit for the farmer.

In selective breeding, the reproduction between individuals is controlled. Farmers select the organisms that have the best traits and breed them. This may seem a lot safer than genetic engineering, but the reproduction happens at a slower rate and it does not accomplish the same results as GMOs.

Since genetic modification can produce a plant with a new trait that does not occur naturally, there will be new crop varieties that can be introduced into the market. Supporting genetic engineering would increase the chances of finding a cure that can treat diseases for cancer and AIDS. In addition, GMOs are being reproduced at a faster rate than the traditional breeding. By developing crops and livestock that can produce a higher yield, this would ensure the food security for the world’s growing population.

Here are the steps in inserting a human gene into a bacterium:
1. A plasmid DNA must be removed from the bacterium, while the human gene must be isolated.
2. In the plasmid, find the regions that can be cut and ensure that the sticky ends are present.
3. Cut the plasmid with restriction enzymes and insert the human gene.
4. Put the plasmid with the recombinant DNA into the bacterium.
5. Once the human gene is successfully integrated into the bacterium’s own DNA, the replication would begin.

The word gene originated from a Greek word “genos,” which means offspring or kind. In biology, gene refers to the unit of heredity that is passed from the parent into the offspring.

The terms listed below are based on the word “gene.”

1. Transgenic: (Adjective) It is the term used to describe organisms that contain genetic material from the DNA of another organism that is not related to them.

2. Genetic: (Adjective) It is a term that relates to the biological origin of something or anything that belongs to genes.

3. Genetics: (Noun) It is the study that deals with genes and heredity.

4. Genetic engineering: (Noun) It is described as the modification of the genetic material of an organism.

5. Genetic marker: (Noun) It is a gene or DNA sequence that is used to detect a chromosome or genes on a genetic map. Scientists use this to differentiate certain individuals in a population. Moreover, they use this to detect the bacterial cells that contain plasmid.

6. Gene therapy: (Noun) It has been discovered using biotechnology. This allowed the scientists to explore the possibility of treating a disease by transforming the genes.

7. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): (Noun) These organisms contain a genetic material that has been altered through artificial means or genetic engineering.

8. Gene expression: (Noun) It is a process wherein the information in a gene is made into a functional product like protein.

The answer is no. Vegetarians or vegans should not worry about eating GM plants because they do not contain animal genes. Transgenic plants undergo transformation by using genes from a bacterium or yeast.