Download Exercise 4.2: Improving on nature

Exercise 4.2: Improving on nature
Name
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Currently in Australia research programs are producing new and improved
agricultural plants using traditional breeding programs and biotechnology.
1
Lawson is a high yielding wheat variety bred for high rainfall areas.
This self pollinating plant was produced by a traditional breeding
program. Outline the steps you think the CSIRO followed to breed this
plant.
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2
Rust diseases are very common among cereals. Outline how you think
genetically engineered rust resistant varieties can be bred.
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3
Discuss, using an example, how important the processes of modern
biotechnology are to agriculture.
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4
Discuss the limitations of science and technology in agriculture.
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2004
5
Genetic engineering is seen by some as a risky business.
Respond to each of the following statements.
a) Genetic research is dangerous. Transferring genes could turn a
harmless organism into a pathogen or worse! Do you agree or
disagree? Explain your answer.
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b) Genetic research should be regulated by law. The current
surveillance measures are not adequate. Do you agree or disagree?
Explain your answer.
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c) Should we be interfering with natural processes by manipulating
the genes of a living thing? Why? Why not?
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2
2004