Chapter 14, Problem 16STP

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The relation between selective breeding and genetic engineering.

Introduction:

The process by which desired traits of certain plants and animals are selected and passed on to their future generations is called selective breeding. This can be achieved through hybridization and inbreeding. It increases the frequency of desired allele within a population.

Answer to Problem 16STP

Selective breeding is a type of genetic modification but it does not involve introduction of foreign DNA into the genome of the organism. It is a conscious selection of desirable traits over many generations to produce pure breeds.

Explanation of Solution

Selective breeding is used to produce plants and animals with desired traits. It is a conscious effort to select the desired traits and then develop new generations with the new traits. It makes use of naturally occurring variants of gene and natural process of breeding. Farmers are indulged in selective breeding since ages to increase the quality and quantity of their produce.

Genetic engineering can be used to increase or decrease the expression of specific genes in selected organisms. It involves use of DNA tools to modify the genome of the organism so that desired traits are introduced into the organism. This is done by scientists in laboratories under controlled conditions.