Plants Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the purpose of enhancing traits in crops?
To enhance desirable traits in crops (yield, quality, disease resistance) for human benefit.
What is selective breeding?
Selective breeding where humans choose organisms with desired traits for reproduction.
How can desirable traits be enhanced in livestock?
By crossbreeding local Damascus cows with Dutch bulls over generations.
What was developed to increase global food production?
The development of high-yield, dwarf wheat varieties that increased global food production (Nobel Prize, 1970).
What are F1 hybrids known for?
Hybrid vigor (heterosis) - offspring outperform parents in yield, growth, or resilience.
Why is genetic diversity important in hybrid plants?
To ensure genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding, which can reduce hybrid vigor.
What is a genetic trait that prevents pollen production?
A genetic trait (often mitochondrial) preventing pollen production, forcing cross-pollination.
How can desirable traits be achieved in plants?
Through controlled crossbreeding of parent plants with dominant desirable alleles.
What does direct gene editing allow for in plants?
It allows direct gene editing for traits like pest resistance or nutritional value.
What happens to F2 offspring?
Their offspring (F2) lose hybrid uniformity, so farmers must buy new seeds annually.
What species were all hybrids selectively bred from?
All were selectively bred from wild Brassica oleracea.
What is the benefit of hybrid corn?
Hybrid corn combines traits from two parent lines for higher yield and hardiness.
What is one method to increase penicillin production?
Inducing mutations in Penicillium to increase penicillin production (1000x more).
What effect does inbreeding have on genetic diversity?
Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity, amplifying harmful recessive alleles.
How do seed companies ensure farmers repurchase seeds each season?
By selling sterile or F1 seeds.
