CAIE IGCSE Biology 21.2 Biotechnology Questions

Practise biotechnology questions by applying yeast respiration, enzyme uses and fermenter conditions to bread, biofuel, fruit juice, milk and medicines.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • distinguish yeast anaerobic products: ethanol for biofuel versus carbon dioxide that makes dough rise
  • compare warm proving for yeast enzyme activity with high-temperature baking that kills yeast
  • identify pectinase in fruit-juice production and link treatment to increased juice yield
  • compare pectinase-treated fruit with a water control using filtrate volume
  • identify protease as the enzyme used in biological washing powder
  • explain how lactase hydrolyses lactose to produce lactose-free milk
  • explain how immobilised lactase can be reused without leaving enzyme in the milk
  • match bacteria or fungi with fermenter products such as insulin, penicillin and mycoprotein
  • outline inoculation, growth, sampling, removal and purification in large-scale production
  • explain how water jackets, pH monitoring, aeration and stirring maintain fermenter conditions
  • interpret nutrient or product graphs to identify depletion, waste build-up or the best harvest point

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Some countries have invested in biofuels such as ethanol, biomass and biodiesel.

Describe how ethanol can be made by microorganisms.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

State one food product that is made using anaerobic respiration in yeast.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Apples are used to make apple juice.

State one enzyme used in fruit juice production.

All question bank results loaded