Question

Mel and Jermaine learned from their science teacher that

some of the trees in the small grove of orange trees on their
school's campus might be suffering from citrus canker. This
bacterial disease can affect any type of citrus tree and causes
brown spots on the leaves and fruit of an infected tree. As the
disease progresses, it can lead to loss of leaves, shoot
dieback, and early fruit drop. Jermaine and Mel work with their
science teacher to devise a plan to investigate and stop the
spread of this disease.
List two types of technology the students will need to conduct
their research and how they will use those tools. Explain the
benefits and limitations of these two pieces of technology.
Give an example of a model Mel and Jermaine could create to
help in their investigation and explain a limitation to that type of
model.

Answer 1

Mel and Jermaine will need microscopes and DNA sequencing equipment to investigate citrus canker. Microscopes allow them to observe the bacteria while DNA sequencing helps identify the specific bacteria. They can also create a computer simulation model to understand the disease spread, although it may oversimplify real-world dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two types of technology that Mel and Jermaine will need to conduct their research on citrus canker are:

1. Microscopes: They can use microscopes to examine the orange tree leaves and fruit for the presence of brown spots, which are a symptom of citrus canker. Microscopes will allow them to observe the bacteria causing the disease and identify infected trees.
2. DNA sequencing equipment: By using DNA sequencing technology, Mel and Jermaine can identify the specific bacteria causing citrus canker and analyze its genetic material. This will help them understand the disease better and develop strategies to prevent its spread.

The benefits of using microscopes include being able to visualize the bacteria and observe their characteristics, such as shape and arrangement. Microscopes also provide high magnification, allowing for detailed examination of the samples. However, a limitation of using microscopes is that they may require trained personnel to operate and interpret the results.

The benefits of using DNA sequencing technology include accurate identification of the bacteria causing citrus canker and the ability to analyze the genetic material for further research. DNA sequencing technology provides a wealth of genetic information that can be used to understand the disease better. However, a limitation of using DNA sequencing technology is that it can be expensive and time-consuming.

An example of a model that Mel and Jermaine could create to aid in their investigation of citrus canker is a computer simulation. They can develop a computer program that simulates the spread of citrus canker based on different environmental factors and tree characteristics. This model can help them understand how the disease spreads and identify potential control measures. However, a limitation of this type of model is that it may oversimplify the complex dynamics of real-world disease spread.