Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Agribusiness Practice Test

What does cloning involve?

1. Producing genetically diverse organisms

2. Creating genetically identical organisms

3. Mixing genes from different organisms

4. Enhancing natural breeding processes

The correct answer is: Creating genetically identical organisms

Cloning involves creating genetically identical organisms, which means that the resulting organism has the same genetic material as the donor organism. This process often utilizes techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer, where the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an enucleated egg cell. The goal of cloning is to replicate the genetic makeup of a particular organism, which can be particularly valuable in agriculture for producing animals or plants that exhibit desirable traits, such as high yield or disease resistance. This method ensures that the cloned organism inherits the specific characteristics of the original, thus supporting the consistent replication of those traits within a population.