Question

Which is an advantage of using DNA technology?
A.phytoremediation
B.gene transfer to non-target species
C.unknown effects
D.reduced effectiveness of pesticides

Answer 1

The advantage of using DNA technology is A) phytoremediation. Phytoremediation describes the treatment of environmental problems through the use of plants that mitigate the environmental problem without the need to excavate the contaminant material and dispose of it elsewhere.

http://www.chacha.com/question/which-is-an-advantage-of-using-dna-technology%3F-a%29-phytoremediation-be%29-gene-transfer-to-nontarget-species-c%29-unknown-effects-d%29-reduced-effectiveness-of-pesticides

Answer 2

thanks :)

Answer 3

welcome! ;)

Answer 4

@ayee2000 is correct.

One can genetically engineer plants to bioremediate, i.e. eliminate environmental pollutants, by horizontally transferring genes (a recombinant DNA technology) that will encode for proteins that will a) allow the plant to resist the detrimental effects of the particular contaminant and b) allow the plant to biodegrade or at least, neutralize the pollutant) .

However, understand that some of the choices may also be plausible under certain circumstances.

Non-targeted genetic transfers is an advantage if viewed with a inclusive fitness perspective.

Let us suppose that species A needs a resistance towards a environmental limiting factor (i.e. a parasite or a naturally-occurring biotoxin) that we also desire to be in species B (at this point we have to presume that both A and B are truly beneficial in some way to humans, or at least, we empathize their existence, but in this case, B is not our true target), we can then utilize recombinant DNA technology to transfer those genes to species A while including survival fitness to species B.

Simply put, non-targeted gene transfer is an advantage if using an inclusive fitness approach.

In addition, unknown effects of DNA technology is an invalid response since the effect is unknown the advantage is also unknown.

As for the effectiveness of pesticides, it depends on which point of view is taken. For example, if a crop gains a resistance to a possible detrimental side-effect of pesticides, then we gain an advantage. Alternatively, if the pest of that crop gains the exact same resistance, then we have a disadvantage.

Lesson: The capabilities we acquire from DNA technology is evident, significant and relatable only when a certain vantage point is assumed.