7.19 Biotechnology and food
5 exam questions worth 10 marks. Write your answer, open the mark scheme, then give yourself the marks you earned. Your answers are saved on this device.
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Name the organism used to make mycoprotein.
Mark scheme
Fusarium (fungus)
Model answer
The fungus Fusarium.
Describe how mycoprotein is produced.
Mark scheme
- Fusarium grown in a fermenter (1)
- fed on glucose syrup (1)
- sterile air / oxygen supplied for aerobic respiration (1)
- controlled temperature / pH / sterile conditions (1)
- fungus harvested and purified (1)
Maximum 4 marks
Model answer
The fungus Fusarium is grown in a fermenter on glucose syrup, with sterile air for aerobic respiration. The temperature and pH are controlled and conditions are kept sterile. The fungus is then harvested and purified to make mycoprotein.
Explain why sterile conditions are needed in the fermenter.
Mark scheme
- to stop other microorganisms growing / contaminating (1)
- which would compete with Fusarium / make the product unsafe (1)
Model answer
To stop other microorganisms growing, which would compete with the Fusarium and could make the food unsafe.
Golden rice has been genetically modified. What does it produce, and why is this useful?
Mark scheme
- beta-carotene (1)
- body converts it to vitamin A / prevents vitamin A deficiency / blindness (1)
Model answer
It makes beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A, preventing blindness in places where people lack vitamin A.
Give one advantage of mycoprotein compared with meat as a source of protein.
Mark scheme
grows quickly / needs less land / produced all year / fewer greenhouse gases / low in fat / suitable for vegetarians
Model answer
It can be produced quickly all year round in a small space, using much less land than raising animals.
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