Question

Which outcome is possible using genetic engineering but not using selective breeding?

a. A sheep with wool longer than wool produced by any other sheep
b. Corn that produces one large corn cob per plant
c. A bacterium that produces human insulin
d. A hairless variety of cow

Answer 1

A bacterium that produces human insulin is an outcome achievable through genetic engineering but not via selective breeding, as it involves transferring human genes into bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The outcome possible using genetic engineering but not using selective breeding is c. A bacterium that produces human insulin. Genetic engineering enables the transfer of genetic material across different species, allowing for the creation of transgenic organisms. This approach has resulted in the production of a number of therapeutic proteins, including human insulin. Using recombinant DNA technology, scientists inserted the human insulin gene into E. coli bacteria, enabling them to produce insulin identical to that produced in the human body. This has drastically improved the treatment of diabetes, as prior to this advancement, patients were treated with animal insulin, which could cause allergic reactions.