Question
ZIKA AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITOS (1 - 2 simple short sentences each)
1) The zika virus is spread by two species of mosquitoes that are found in warm, equatorial climates. Describe the spread of zika virus in the United States following the 2015 outbreak. compare the number and location of zika infections during 2015, 2016 and 2017
2) mosquitos spread the zika virus while feeding on blood. the process of transmitting the virus to humans can be describes in five steps. summarize the 5 steps in 5 separate short sentences.
3) explain how genetic modification of mosquitos can be used to prevent a future outbreak of the zika virus. make sure to include a discussion of self-limiting genes and tTAV
4) what are possible problems that may arise from releasing genetically modified mosquitos into the environment
1) The zika virus is spread by two species of mosquitoes that are found in warm, equatorial climates. Describe the spread of zika virus in the United States following the 2015 outbreak. compare the number and location of zika infections during 2015, 2016 and 2017
2) mosquitos spread the zika virus while feeding on blood. the process of transmitting the virus to humans can be describes in five steps. summarize the 5 steps in 5 separate short sentences.
3) explain how genetic modification of mosquitos can be used to prevent a future outbreak of the zika virus. make sure to include a discussion of self-limiting genes and tTAV
4) what are possible problems that may arise from releasing genetically modified mosquitos into the environment
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
1) Following the 2015 outbreak, Zika virus infections in the United States were most concentrated in Florida and Texas, with several hundred cases reported. In 2016, there was a notable spike in cases, particularly in Miami, while reports in 2017 decreased significantly as public health measures were implemented.
2) The first step is that a female mosquito feeds on the blood of an infected human, ingesting the virus. Next, the virus replicates within the mosquito's body. After a period, the virus reaches the mosquito's salivary glands. Then, when the mosquito feeds again, the virus is transmitted to another human. Finally, the new host becomes infected, allowing the cycle to continue.
3) Genetic modification of mosquitoes can be used to control Zika virus outbreaks by introducing self-limiting genes that cause target mosquitoes to die before reaching adulthood. The tTAV system allows for precise control over these genes, ensuring that when the modified mosquitoes mate, their offspring inherit traits that limit their survival and reproduction, ultimately reducing the mosquito population and Zika transmission risk.
4) Possible problems from releasing genetically modified mosquitoes include unpredictable ecological impacts, such as effects on non-target species and ecosystem balance. Additionally, public concerns about safety and genetic pollution could lead to resistance against the technology, hindering effective implementation and management.
2) The first step is that a female mosquito feeds on the blood of an infected human, ingesting the virus. Next, the virus replicates within the mosquito's body. After a period, the virus reaches the mosquito's salivary glands. Then, when the mosquito feeds again, the virus is transmitted to another human. Finally, the new host becomes infected, allowing the cycle to continue.
3) Genetic modification of mosquitoes can be used to control Zika virus outbreaks by introducing self-limiting genes that cause target mosquitoes to die before reaching adulthood. The tTAV system allows for precise control over these genes, ensuring that when the modified mosquitoes mate, their offspring inherit traits that limit their survival and reproduction, ultimately reducing the mosquito population and Zika transmission risk.
4) Possible problems from releasing genetically modified mosquitoes include unpredictable ecological impacts, such as effects on non-target species and ecosystem balance. Additionally, public concerns about safety and genetic pollution could lead to resistance against the technology, hindering effective implementation and management.
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