You May Be Aware of a Fungal Pathogen Known as Dutch

question 27

Multiple Choice

You may be aware of a fungal pathogen known as Dutch elm disease. This disease is transferred via a vector-the elm bark beetle. Damage to the plant actually results from the plant's attempts to limit the fungal growth. The plant typically forms a plug in its xylem so that the fungal growth cannot receive the necessary water and minerals. This causes damage to the tree from the top down. Currently, there are three methods of treatment for this disease. Below is list of the three methods and the numbers of trees per thousand that survived after treatment: Treatment A = removing limbs that show signs of disease; 350/1000 survived Treatment B = use of a fungicide; 700/1000 survived Treatment C = another fungus is injected into the tree to boost immunity; 500/1000 survived What percentage survived after treatment B?

• A) 30 percent
• B) 50 percent
• C) 70 percent
• D) 75 percent

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Definitions:

CRISPR

A revolutionary genetic engineering tool that allows for precise editing of DNA, used in gene therapy and research.

GMOs

Genetically Modified Organisms, organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Ti Plasmid

A plasmid derived from the Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteria, used in genetic engineering to transfer genes into plant cells.

Genetically Engineer

The process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism in a laboratory through techniques like gene cloning and transformation to achieve desired traits.