Answer to Question #134644 in Biology for Kiana

Question

1. Cite three major differences RDT and classical breeding

2. How is RDT changing the world?

Answer 1

1. The differences are:

• classical breeding relies on the mixing of the characteristics between the individuals of the same species, whereas RDT uses the combination of genetic materials from different species.
• in classical breeding, many genes are rearranged, whereas RDT uses only one or several specific genes.
• in classical breeding, the phenotype is unpredictable, whereas RDT can model and predict the trait.

2. Recombinant DNA technology significantly improves the production of drugs, medications, and crops. For example, numerous hormones and growth factors can be produced in bacteria via RDT. These products are much safer and cheaper than the use of conventional methods (i.e., extraction from animal tissues). On the other hand, GMO crops are resistant to numerous abiotic and biotic factors that occur due to global warming. Overall, RDT significantly improves medical and food services.