CAIE IGCSE Biology 21 Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

Practise applying microorganism, enzyme, fermenter and plasmid knowledge to food production, medicines and modified crops.

Covered syllabus points

21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification 21.2 Biotechnology 21.3 Genetic modification

[Maximum number: 4]

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

Fig. 5.1

(a)

Bacteria are useful in genetic engineering because they contain plasmids.

[ 4 ]

(i)

Describe how a plasmid is cut so that a new gene can be inserted into the plasmid.

[ 2 ]

(ii)

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

1
2

[ 2 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

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

Describe how ethanol can be made by microorganisms.

[Maximum number: 5]

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

Fig. 6.1

(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 ]

(i)

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

[ 1 ]

(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 ]

drought/salt/pollution/metal/frost/stress/cold, resistant; increased, yield / productivity; extend range where crops can be grown;

herbicide resistance; increased yield / productivity;

pesticide resistance; increased yield / productivity;

crop plants produce own insecticides; less insecticide used; increased yield;

vitamin / nutrient, enrichment / $\beta$ carotene (Golden rice); increased nutritional value;

pathogen resistant/Bt; increased productivity / less pesticide use;

antigens / vaccines / pharmaceuticals; e.g. insulin cheap production of medicines;

flavour/texture/ripening;

Improved customer satisfaction/shelf life;

linked marking points 2+2

R bacteria (as not a crop plant)

A 'more profit' once.

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a bacterial cell.

Which cell structure makes bacteria useful in genetic modification?

Figure for Question 21. Biotechnology and genetic modification question 4 — CAIE IGCSE Biology

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Covered syllabus points

21. Biotechnology and genetic modification question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

21. Biotechnology and genetic modification question 2

21. Biotechnology and genetic modification question 3

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

21. Biotechnology and genetic modification question 4