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CAIE IGCSE Biology 21.3 Genetic Modification Questions

Practise genetic-modification questions by defining gene changes, recognising crop or bacterial examples and sequencing plasmid steps for human proteins.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • describe gene changes and identify bacterial or crop examples such as human proteins or nutrition
  • sequence restriction enzymes, sticky ends, ligase, recombinant plasmids and bacterial expression
  • discuss GM crop benefits and risks, including yield, nutrition, gene transfer and biodiversity

Covered syllabus points

21.3.1—Genetic modification as changing21.3.3—Process of genetic modification using21.3.2—Genetic modification: (a)21.3.4—Advantages and disadvantages

Question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

A DNA molecule has two strands as shown in Fig. 6.1.

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1

Question (a)

(a)

A modern method for improving crop productivity is to cut out sections of DNA carrying a useful gene from one organism and place them into another organism.

[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Name the technique of inserting genes from one organism into another.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

A gene for producing a vaccine has been inserted into banana plants.

Give two other examples in which crop plants have been changed by inserting genes. State one advantage for each example.
example 1
advantage
example 2
advantage

[ 4 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 9]

Bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Fig. 6.1 shows a photomicrograph of a bacterium.

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1

Question (a)

(a)

Genetically modified bacteria can produce human insulin.

[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Insulin is a protein.

Describe the process of using bacteria in genetic engineering to produce human proteins.

[ 5 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Crop plants can also be genetically modified.

Describe the advantages of genetically modifying crops.

[ 4 ]
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