Chapter 2

Applications of Genetics

Selective Breeding

Selective Breeding

• Selective Breeding: the intentional crossing of plants or animals that have desirable traits to produce offspring that have those traits• Scientists do this to produce bigger,

hardier, sweeter, fruit and vegetables.

Inbreeding• Inbreeding: the mating of closely related

individuals—can produce weaker varieties.• Individuals that are closely related also

have closely related genes.• This lack of variety leads to more

recessive traits being reproduced–Dogs/hip dysplasia–Humans/birth defects

Genetic Engineering• All living things have the model for

genetic code: double helix made of 4 nucleotide bases• Genetic engineering: when genes, or

part of an organism’s DNA is transferred to another organism.• These engineered genes can produce

amazing outcomes:

The good

• Genetically engineering has produced insulin for diabetics, bacteria that eats oil, treatments for cystic fibrosis, enzymes that dissolve blood clots, and much more.

The Bad?

The Ugly

• http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-dangers/65-health-risks/1notes

Genetically Modified Organisms

• Read the section about Genetically Modified Organisms

• Take note of the advantages and disadvantages

• Write a speech to the scientific community explaining why you think GMOs are good or bad for humans and the environment.

• Minimum 3 paragraphs