Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Genetically modified organisms in agriculture

Genetically modified organisms in agriculture — practice question

Genetic engineering is a contemporary way of producing crop plants with better characteristics. One crop example with better characteristics is soybean, Glycine max, which has been genetically modified so that it is resistant to a herbicide. This genetically modified soybean is known as GM soybean. To produce GM soybean, a bacterial gene together with a section of regulatory DNA were inserted into soybean cells.
(a)[5]

Outline the functions of enzymes and a section of regulatory DNA in the making of genetically modified organisms such as GM soybean.

(b)[2]

In 2018, 123.5 million hectares of land worldwide were used to grow soybean crops. GM soybean occupied 73% of this area. Also in 2018, soybeans made up 50% of the total GM crop area worldwide. Calculate the total area used to grow GM crops worldwide in 2018. Show your working.

(c)[4]

Discuss the social consequences of growing GM crops.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: restriction endonuclease (RE)

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