Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Principles of genetic technology
Principles of genetic technology — practice question
Malaria is a severe, often deadly infectious disease caused by Plasmodium. Medicines such as chloroquine are commonly used to lower the chance of malaria and to treat patients who have been infected. However, in many regions of the world, Plasmodium populations have developed resistance to chloroquine.
Sequencing the Plasmodium genome, together with bioinformatics, has identified several new targets for the development of anti-malarial drugs.
(a(i))[2]
Define bioinformatics.
(a(ii))[3]
Outline how sequencing the Plasmodium genome, together with bioinformatics analysis, can identify new targets for anti-malarial drugs.
(b(i))[3]
Suggest advantages of using theoretical models for this research instead of testing potential drugs in the laboratory.
(b(ii))[2]
Suggest why theoretical modelling cannot entirely replace laboratory trials when searching for new drugs.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme.