Secrets of Plant Genomes Revealed! - Corn, the Dynamic Genome

The video explores the history and genetic evolution of corn, tracing its origins from a grass-like plant called teosinte. John Doebley, a genetics researcher, discovered that a single gene from teosinte transformed its structure into modern corn. The video also highlights the role of genomics in improving corn's traits, such as drought resistance and nutrition. At Berkeley, scientists like Sarah Hake study corn mutants to understand gene functions, aiming to enhance corn's qualities efficiently.

What is one of the primary uses of corn in Middle America?

• Textiles

• Cosmetics

• Building materials

• Electronics

What plant is considered the ancestor of modern corn?

• Wheat

• Barley

• Teosinte

• Rice

How did ancient Native Americans transform teosinte into modern corn?

• Through selective breeding

• Through cross-pollination with wheat

• By using chemical fertilizers

• By genetic engineering

What is the main advantage of modern genetic research over ancient methods in improving corn?

• It is more time-consuming

• It is more efficient and precise

• It is less precise

• It requires more resources

What is the purpose of creating mutants in corn research?

• To reduce corn's growth rate

• To make corn more colorful

• To understand gene functions

• To increase corn's size

Who is known as the 'Corn Lady' in the context of this research?

• Marie Curie

• Barbara McClintock

• John Doebley

• Sarah Hake

What is the ultimate goal of corn genomics research?

• To reduce corn's nutritional value

• To make corn grow faster

• To create new corn colors

• To understand all 50,000 corn genes