Agricultural Biotechnology (BIO599 Mastery) Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is agricultural biotechnology?
The application of genetic engineering and biological tools to improve crops and livestock—enhancing yield, nutrition, resistance to pests, and environmental resilience.
List three benefits of agricultural biotechnology.
Increased crop yields
Reduced use of pesticides (e.g. Bt crops)
Enhanced nutritional content (e.g. Golden Rice)
What are GMOs?
Genetically modified organisms whose DNA has been altered using biotechnology to express new traits not found in the original species.
What is Agrobacterium-mediated transformation?
A method that uses the natural DNA-transferring ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to introduce foreign genes into plant genomes.
What is the gene gun method (biolistics)?
A physical transformation technique where DNA-coated metal particles are shot into plant cells to deliver genetic material.
What is electroporation and how is it used in plants?
The use of electric pulses to temporarily open cell membranes, allowing DNA to enter plant cells.
What are transgenic crops?
Crops that have been genetically engineered to contain and express genes from other species, giving them new traits such as pest or herbicide resistance.
Give two examples of transgenic crops and their modifications.
Bt corn: Expresses Bacillus thuringiensis toxin for insect resistance
Golden Rice: Engineered to produce provitamin A (beta-carotene) for improved nutrition
What is Roundup Ready technology?
Crops genetically modified to tolerate glyphosate herbicide, allowing broad-spectrum weed control without damaging the crop.
How are GMOs tested for safety?
Through assessments for allergenicity, toxicity, gene flow, and environmental impact using molecular and animal testing before regulatory approval.
Which U.S. agencies regulate GM crops?
The USDA (agriculture), FDA (food safety), and EPA (environmental effects of pest-resistant traits).
What is marker-assisted selection and how does it differ from genetic modification?
Marker-assisted selection uses known genetic markers to breed desirable traits through traditional methods, while genetic modification directly alters DNA.
What are major concerns about GMOs?
Potential allergenicity
Long-term ecological effects (e.g. superweeds)
Loss of biodiversity
Corporate control of seeds and food systems
What is gene flow and why is it a problem in agriculture?
The transfer of transgenes from GM crops to wild relatives or non-GM crops, potentially causing unintended spread of modified traits.
Why is biodiversity important in crop ecosystems?
Genetic diversity increases resilience to disease, climate change, and pests, reducing the risk of widespread crop failure.
How does CRISPR differ from traditional transgenic methods in agriculture?
CRISPR can make precise edits within a plant’s own genome without introducing foreign DNA, potentially avoiding GMO classification in some regions
What’s an example of a CRISPR-edited crop?
Non-browning mushrooms edited to reduce polyphenol oxidase expression, delaying spoilage without foreign gene insertion.
