Q: Which equation best represents the rate of growth for AquaBounty salmon compared to wild type salmon, given that AquaBounty salmon grow 4-6 times faster?

$$\text{Growth Rate}_{\text{AquaBounty}} = (4 \text{ to } 6) \times \text{Growth Rate}_{\text{Wild Type}}$$

Q: Which equation best represents the survival probability of a crop plant after glyphosate application, assuming only Roundup Ready plants survive?

$$P_{\text{survival}} = 1$$ for Roundup Ready plants, $$P_{\text{survival}} = 0$$ for non-modified plants

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Accepted Answer

An organism whose genome has been modified by human intervention to change its phenotype or produce a desired product.

Question 2

AquaBounty salmon were genetically engineered to grow faster by modifying which regulatory element of the growth hormone gene?

Accepted Answer

The enhancer was replaced with one activated by low levels of metal, allowing year-round expression.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the rate of growth for AquaBounty salmon compared to wild type salmon, given that AquaBounty salmon grow 4-6 times faster?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Growth Rate}_{	ext{AquaBounty}} = (4 	ext{ to } 6) 	imes 	ext{Growth Rate}_{	ext{Wild Type}}$$

Question 4

Which bacterium is used to create transgenic plants by transferring DNA into plant cells?

Accepted Answer

Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Question 5

What is the primary function of the Ti plasmid in Agrobacterium tumefaciens?

Accepted Answer

To transfer T-DNA into plant cells, causing uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

Question 6

Which modification was made to the Ti plasmid to make it a useful vector for plant genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It was 'disarmed' by removing genes responsible for tumor formation and opine synthesis.

Question 7

Bt-expressing plants are resistant to insect damage because:

Accepted Answer

They produce a protein that is toxic to insects when ingested.

Question 8

What is a potential environmental concern associated with widespread use of Bt-expressing crops?

Accepted Answer

Bt crops may harm beneficial insects and lead to resistance in pest populations.

Question 9

Roundup Ready plants are genetically engineered to resist which herbicide?

Accepted Answer

Glyphosate

Question 10

Which enzyme is targeted by glyphosate in plants, and what modification allows Roundup Ready crops to survive glyphosate application?

Accepted Answer

Glyphosate targets the ESPS enzyme, and Roundup Ready crops express a glyphosate-resistant bacterial ESPS enzyme.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the survival probability of a crop plant after glyphosate application, assuming only Roundup Ready plants survive?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{	ext{survival}} = 1$$ for Roundup Ready plants, $$P_{	ext{survival}} = 0$$ for non-modified plants

Question 12

Golden Rice was engineered to address which two major nutritional deficiencies?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A and iron deficiency

Question 13

Which genes were introduced into Golden Rice to enable beta-carotene synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Four enzymes: two from daffodil and two from bacteria

Question 14

Why is there societal opposition to GM crops in many regions, despite their potential benefits?

Accepted Answer

Concerns about environmental impact, resistance development, and cultural preferences for traditional foods

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the widespread adoption of Roundup Ready crops?

Accepted Answer

Weeds are becoming resistant to glyphosate, leading to increased herbicide use.

Question 16

What is the purpose of creating 'reporter' constructs in genetically modified organisms?

Accepted Answer

To understand gene expression by linking a visible marker to a gene of interest.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why farmers are forced to buy new seed each year for GM crops?

Accepted Answer

GM crops are patented and companies restrict seed reuse.

Question 18

Which of the following is a multi-step process for creating transgenic plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens?

Accepted Answer

Infect plant cells with Agrobacterium containing a disarmed Ti plasmid, transfer T-DNA into plant genome, grow cells in tissue culture, regenerate transgenic plants.

Question 19

Which equation would you use to estimate the proportion of transgenic plants in a population after selection with herbicide, assuming only transgenic plants survive?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{	ext{transgenic}} = \frac{N_{	ext{transgenic}}}{N_{	ext{total}}}$$ after selection

Genetically Modified Organisms: Plants and Animals – Mechanisms, Applications, and Societal Impacts

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