1. Differences between viruses and bacteria:
- Viruses are non-living particles composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, while bacteria are single-celled living organisms.
- Viruses require a host cell to replicate and reproduce, while bacteria can reproduce independently through binary fission.
2. Difference between PCR and recombinant DNA technology:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence in vitro, creating multiple copies of the DNA fragment. Recombinant DNA technology involves the insertion of a foreign DNA fragment into a host organism's genome to produce recombinant DNA.
3. Why cloning is a form of asexual reproduction:
- Cloning involves creating an identical copy of an organism using its DNA, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. Since no genetic variation occurs in the offspring, cloning is considered a form of asexual reproduction.
4. Genetic comparison between a cloned sheep and a sexually reproduced sheep:
- A cloned sheep is genetically identical to the donor sheep from which its DNA was derived, whereas a sheep produced through sexual reproduction inherits a unique combination of genetic material from both its parents, leading to genetic variation in the offspring.
