Question

Which of the following is not one of the major steps involved in genetically modifying an organism?

• A. Maintenance of introduced DNA in the host and transfer of the DNA to its progeny
• B. Traditional hybridisation
• C. Introduction of the identified DNA into the host
• D. Identification of DNA with desirable genes

Answer 1

The correct option is B Traditional hybridisation

Genetic engineering involves all the principles and processes that can be used to alter the genetic material (DNA and RNA).

The altered genetic material is introduced into the host organism. This results in the change of the phenotype of the host organism.

There are three basic steps in genetically modifying an organism
(i) identification of DNA having desirable genes
(ii) introducing the identified DNA into the host
(iii) maintenance of introduced DNA in the host and transfer of the DNA to its progeny.

Traditional hybridisation is a form of intentional human-mediated hybridisation which involves the crossing of individuals of different species (interspecific hybridisation) or genetically divergent individuals from the same species (intraspecific hybridisation).

Traditional hybridisation techniques in plants and animals can lead to expression and proliferation of genes that are undesirable. They may be toxic, less yielding, or inhibit growth.
Genetic engineering, on the other hand, removes all these limitations and allows for inclusion, expression of only desired genes in the target organism.