Outline the roles played by restriction enzymes and vectors in cloning DNA.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools
Genetic Cloning
Problem 11
Textbook Question
What are some of the impacts of biotechnology on crop plants in the United States?

1
Understand the concept of biotechnology: Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop or create products, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agriculture.
Identify the key impacts of biotechnology on crop plants: Biotechnology has led to the development of crops with improved traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content.
Explore pest resistance: Genetically modified crops, such as Bt corn, are engineered to produce proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, which are toxic to specific pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Examine herbicide tolerance: Crops like Roundup Ready soybeans are modified to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds more effectively without harming the crop.
Discuss environmental and economic impacts: Biotechnology can reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by decreasing pesticide use and increasing crop yields, which can lead to economic benefits for farmers and the agricultural industry.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
25sPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Genetic Modification
Genetic modification involves altering the DNA of an organism to achieve desired traits. In crop plants, this can enhance resistance to pests, improve nutritional content, or increase yield. Techniques such as CRISPR and transgenic methods allow for precise changes, leading to crops that can thrive in various environmental conditions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Post Translational Modifications
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Biotechnology can contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Genetically engineered crops can be designed to require fewer resources, thus minimizing environmental degradation. However, the long-term ecological effects and potential for gene transfer to wild relatives are important considerations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Twin Studies
Economic Implications
The adoption of biotechnology in crop production can lead to significant economic benefits, including increased productivity and reduced costs for farmers. However, it also raises issues such as market access, patenting of genetically modified seeds, and the economic impact on smallholder farmers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for evaluating the overall impact of biotechnology on agriculture.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
924
views