Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Genetically modified organisms in agriculture
Genetically modified organisms in agriculture — practice question
In the USA, roughly $35\%$ of all maize grown has been genetically modified so that it produces a toxin, called Bt toxin, which comes from the bacterium $\textit{Bacillus thuringiensis}$. These genetically modified plants are called Bt maize.
(a)[2]
Explain why growing Bt maize is advantageous.
(b)[2]
Describe the effect on the growth rate of $\textit{Lepidostoma liba}$ larvae when they eat leaves from Bt maize.
(c)[2]
Suggest two reasons why the phrase ‘potential ecological effects’ is an appropriate description of any conclusions that could be drawn from the results of this experiment.
(d)[1]
Suggest why some scientists might want to suppress results like these, even when the investigation itself is not flawed.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “greater yields” …