CAIE IGCSE Biology 21.1.1 Bacteria in Biotechnology

Practise explaining how rapid reproduction and the ability to make complex molecules make bacteria useful in biotechnology.

Exam points

state that bacteria reproduce rapidly and can quickly produce a large culture
state that bacteria can make complex molecules such as useful proteins
distinguish these benefits from false claims about sexual reproduction or antibiotic immunity

[Maximum number: 2]

Fig. 5.1 shows some of the stages in the reproduction of the bacterium Escherichia coli.

Fig. 5.1

Bacteria are useful in genetic engineering because they contain plasmids.

List two reasons, other than the presence of plasmids, that make bacteria and single-celled fungi useful to biotechnology industries.

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