Intro to scientific research

In addition to breeding varieties of maize that have improved qualities such as higher yield, disease resistance and the other priorities previously mentioned, scientists are studying many other aspects of maize. One of the advantages of all life on Earth relying on DNA as the mechanism to reproduce and manufacture, is that many cellular functions—and genetic sequences—are fairly similar within and across species.  Because of this, we can study the behavior of specific genes/gene expression under varying conditions, and extrapolate that information to inform situations in other organisms.  Certainly, the more two organisms are alike—genetically—the more accurately we can make predictions.