Genetic TechnologyGrade 9 Reproduction Unit

Artificial Selection Artificial selection is

the process of intentional modification of a species through human actions which encourage the breeding of certain traits over others

What is the purpose of artificial selection? Scientists alter the DNA of many

organisms in order to improve their use to some people

Examples: Crops can be changed to be tolerant to

drought and frost Animals can be changed to be more

productive

Can artificial selection be dangerous? Yes

If all the individuals of one species have the same or very similar DNA, then genetic diversity is reduced

Without genetic diversity, disease may spread more quickly

Example- Irish potato famine

Genetic Technology1) Selective Breeding

Selective breeding is the process of breeding individuals with desirable traits to produce offspring that also have these desirable traits

Example- the grains and fruits you eat Example- breeding champion horses

Genetic Technology2) Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering refers to any technology that directly alters the DNA of an organism

Most genetic engineering involves inserting a gene from one species into another species

Example- bacteria that are engineering to produce insulin- bacteria reproduce so quickly that most of the worlds insulin supply comes from genetically

engineered bacteria

Genetic Technology3) Cloning

Cloning is the process of forming identical offspring from a single cell

Because the clone comes from a single parent, its DNA is identical to the parent

Example- many plants are reproduced by cloning

Genetic Technology 4) Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO’s are any organism in which the DNA has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally by mating

Example- a bell pepper may have DNA from a fish added to it to make it more frost tolerant