Question

Explain the primary problem presented in "Banana Threat: Attack of the Clones" and explain how scientists have approached the issue. Ultimately, what can you infer will be the long term outcome of the issue? Be sure to include cited textual evidence.

Answer 1

The primary problem in "Banana Threat: Attack of the Clones" is the lack of genetic diversity in cloned bananas, risking the crop to disease and climate change. Scientists use genetic engineering to combat this. Long-term, diverse banana varieties may be developed to ensure sustainability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary problem presented in "Banana Threat: Attack of the Clones" is the lack of genetic variation in cloned banana plants, which poses a risk to the banana crop in the face of disease and changing climate conditions. Scientists have approached this issue by exploring methods such as genetic engineering in order to introduce traits like disease resistance into banana plants, thereby increasing their resilience. However, because cloned plants are genetically identical, their ability to adapt to climate change and resist diseases without human intervention is limited. Therefore, in the long term, scientists are aiming to develop banana varieties with greater genetic diversity through biotechnological approaches to ensure food security.

To introduce a gene for herbicide resistance into a crop plant like corn, scientists typically use genetic engineering techniques. This can involve using a gene gun or a bacterium to insert the desired gene into the plant's DNA. Biotechnology, including gene splicing and cloning, can also raise various ethical, legal, or social issues, which are important to consider in developing policies regarding the use of this technology.

Answer 2

The lack of genetic diversity due to cloning banana crops poses risks under climate change, and scientists are working on biotechnological solutions to enhance genetic variability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary problem presented in "Banana Threat: Attack of the Clones" is the lack of genetic diversity in banana crops due to cloning, which makes them susceptible to diseases and challenges, especially in the context of climate change. Scientists are approaching this issue by exploring biotechnological methods such as introducing genes for pest or herbicide resistance into crops, or by using genetic engineering techniques such as CRISPR. Scientists also consider traditional breeding techniques to increase genetic variety.

When discussing the long-term outcome of the issue, it can be inferred that unless strategies to increase genetic diversity are successful, banana crops will continue to face significant risks. The use of clones might result in higher initial productivity, but the lack of variation in these populations could lead to a decrease in resilience against evolving diseases and environmental shifts linked to climate change.