Which of the following can be produced with synthetic biology?

1. Microorganisms are harnessed for bioremediation to clean pollutants from our water, soil and air.

2. Rice is modified to produce beta-carotene that prevents vitamin A deficiency.

3. Yeast engineered to produce rose oil as an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute for real roses

4. Production of animal-free dairy products

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 2 and 4 only
  2. 1, 3, and 4 only
  3. 1, 2, and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, and 4
1, 2, 3, and 4

Correct Answer: Option 4 : 1, 2, 3, and 4

Key Points

  • Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology and engineering principles to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems.
  • Microorganisms can be genetically engineered for bioremediation, which involves using them to clean up pollutants in water, soil, and air, making them essential for environmental sustainability.
  • Genetically modified rice, such as Golden Rice, is engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, addressing vitamin A deficiency, especially in developing countries.
  • Yeast can be modified to produce valuable compounds like rose oil, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods that rely on real roses.
  • Animal-free dairy products can be created through synthetic biology, allowing for the production of dairy-like substances without the need for animal agriculture, which is beneficial for animal welfare and the environment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

  • Option 1 (2 and 4 only) excludes significant contributions from bioremediation and yeast engineering, which are valid applications of synthetic biology.
  • Option 2 (1, 3, and 4 only) omits the important aspect of genetically modified rice that addresses nutritional deficiencies, which is a critical application in public health.
  • Option 3 (1, 2, and 3 only) does not consider the production of animal-free dairy products, which is a growing area of interest in sustainable food production.

Quick Tip for Exam

When faced with questions about synthetic biology, remember that it encompasses a wide range of applications, including environmental, health-related, and sustainable practices. Familiarize yourself with examples of genetically modified organisms and their benefits to reinforce your understanding.

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