Each clue below describes one gain of genetic modification…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Each clue below describes one gain of genetic modification. Name the gain.
- A rice grain that gives the body more of a substance that it changes into a vitamin.
- A cotton plant that makes a protein which kills its caterpillars.
- A crop that still grows when the soil is salty.
- A plant that takes up phosphate so well that the soil keeps its fertility for longer.
- A potato that makes a starch that a factory can use.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant, bacterium, fungus or animal whose genes have been altered by manipulation. Genetic modification has made crops tolerant to cold, drought, salt and heat. It has reduced the use of chemical pesticides and the losses after harvest. It has improved the use of minerals and raised the nutritional value of food. Money saved is the number of sprays saved times the cost of one spray, less any extra cost of seed.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) Better nutrition. The substance is beta-carotene, a provitamin of vitamin A.
Step 2. (b) Less reliance on chemical pesticides.
Step 3. (c) Tolerance to an abiotic stress, which is salt.
Step 4. (d) More efficient use of minerals.
Step 5. (e) A tailor-made plant that supplies raw material (starch) to industry.
Answer: (a) better nutrition; (b) less pesticide; (c) stress tolerance; (d) better use of minerals; (e) raw material for industry.
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