6.20 Genetic engineering

5 exam questions worth 14 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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Short answer [2 marks]

What is genetic engineering?

Mark scheme

modifying the genome / genes of an organism (1)
by introducing a gene from another organism (to give a desired characteristic) (1)

Model answer

Genetic engineering is changing an organism's genome by adding a gene from another organism, to give it a useful characteristic.

Your mark

Extended response [4 marks]

Describe how bacteria can be genetically engineered to make human insulin.

Mark scheme

the insulin gene is cut out using (restriction) enzymes (1)
a plasmid / vector is cut with the same enzyme (1)
gene inserted into the plasmid using ligase (1)
plasmid put into a bacterium, which multiplies and makes insulin (1)

Model answer

The insulin gene is cut out of human DNA with a restriction enzyme. A bacterial plasmid is cut with the same enzyme, and the gene is joined into it with ligase. The plasmid is put back into a bacterium, which multiplies and produces insulin.

Your mark

Short answer [2 marks]

Give two examples of how crops have been genetically modified.

Mark scheme

Any two from:

resistant to insects / pests (Bt) (1)
resistant to herbicides (1)
bigger / better fruit / higher yield (1)
more nutrients, e.g. golden rice (1)

Model answer

Crops have been made resistant to insect pests and to herbicides.

Your mark

Short answer [2 marks]

Explain why genes are put into plant and animal cells at an early stage of development.

Mark scheme

so all cells of the organism get the gene (1)
as the cells divide (by mitosis) / develop (1)

Model answer

So that when the cell divides and the organism develops, all its cells carry the new gene.

Your mark

Extended response [4 marks]

Evaluate the use of GM crops.

Mark scheme

Any four from:

for: bigger yields / feed more people (1)
for: fewer pesticides needed (1)
against: effect on wild plants / insects unknown (1)
against: genes may spread to wild plants / superweeds (1)
against: concerns about effects on human health (1)
conclusion (1)

Model answer

GM crops can give bigger yields to feed more people, and insect-resistant crops need fewer pesticides. However, we do not know their full effect on wild flowers and insects, and genes could spread to wild plants. Overall, they are useful, but they need careful testing and monitoring.

Your mark

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