The Ti plasmid isolated from Agrobacterium can be used to insert DNA into any type of plant.
The Bt toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis has been introduced into some crop plants to make
them resistant to insect destruction.
Bioinformatics is the use of computer technology to compare and analyze genome sequence.
The term biotechnology refers exclusively to the use of genetically engineered organisms for the
production of desired products.
The practice of breeding plants and animals for desirable traits, such as high crop yield, is called
natural selection.
ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet of paper.
Your research group is investigating the possible use of genetically–engineered cells to produce a vaccine for
malaria. List the pros and cons of using E. coli, Saccharomyces, and animal cells to produce the vaccine.
Pseudomonas syringae is found naturally in the soil. Sold as Snomax, it is used to make snow at ski resorts. The
same bacterium with a gene deletion (Ice–minus) is used to prevent ice formation on plants. Should Snomax
and Ice–minus be considered modified organisms and subject to precautions of releasing genetically modified
organisms? Explain why or why not.
The local public health agency has received reports of an outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis among attendees
at a city–sponsored chili cook–off. What techniques from recombinant DNA technology would the agency
likely use to investigate this outbreak? Describe the expected results from these techniques.