Breeding

Definition

Breeding is the process of selecting organisms with desirable traits to reproduce, enhancing specific characteristics in offspring. In microbiology, breeding often involves manipulating microbial genetics to achieve desired outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Selective breeding in microbes can be used to enhance beneficial traits such as antibiotic production or metabolic efficiency.
2. Microbial breeding often employs techniques like mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology to introduce new genetic variations.
3. Ethical considerations are crucial when breeding microorganisms, especially regarding potential environmental impacts and biosafety.
4. Genetic markers are frequently used to track inheritance of desired traits in microbial populations.
5. Advanced breeding techniques may involve CRISPR-Cas9 for precise genome editing in microbes.

Review Questions

• What is the main purpose of selective breeding in microbes?
• Name two techniques commonly used in microbial breeding.
• Why are genetic markers important in the context of microbial breeding?

Related terms

Mutagenesis: A process where the genetic information of an organism is changed, resulting in a mutation.

Recombinant DNA Technology: A series of procedures used to join together DNA segments from different sources.

CRISPR-Cas9: A genome editing tool that allows for precise modifications to DNA within organisms.