Biotechnology And Genetic Modification
Overview
Bacteria are the workhorses of modern biotechnology. They are tiny, simple and easy to grow, yet they can be persuaded to make complex human proteins like insulin. Why do scientists reach for bacteria again and again rather than plants or animals? The answer lies in how fast they breed and what they carry inside them.
In this short but important lesson you will learn the two features that make bacteria so useful, their rapid reproduction and their ability to make complex molecules, and then the deeper [Supplement] reasons: few ethical concerns about manipulating them, and the small rings of DNA called plasmids that make gene transfer possible.
Objectives
- State that bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification due to their rapid reproduction rate and their ability to make complex molecules
- [Supplement] Discuss why bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification, limited to: (a) few ethical concerns over their manipulation and growth (b) t he presence of plasmids
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Biotechnology And Genetic Modification. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Bacteria are useful in biotechnology partly because they: A. are large B. reproduce rapidly C. cannot make proteins D. have a nucleus Answer: B
- A second reason bacteria are useful is that they can: A. make complex molecules such as proteins B. photosynthesise C. live without water D. move quickly Answer: A
- A plasmid is a: A. type of protein B. small circular piece of bacterial DNA C. virus D. ribosome Answer: B
- [Supplement] One ethical advantage of using bacteria is that: A. they feel pain B. there are few ethical concerns over their manipulation C. they are mammals D. they cannot be grown Answer: B
- Plasmids are useful in genetic modification because they: A. kill the bacterium B. act as a vector to carry a gene into the bacterium C. stop reproduction D. remove genes Answer: B
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