Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Principles of genetic technology

Principles of genetic technology — practice question

Oil seed rape (canola), $\textit{Brassica napus}$, has been genetically altered so that it is resistant to herbicides containing glufosinate ammonium. The genetically modified (GM) oil seed rape carries the $bar$ gene, which was obtained from a soil bacterium. This gene codes for an enzyme that changes glufosinate ammonium into a non-toxic compound.
(a)[2]

Outline the advantages to farmers of growing glufosinate-resistant oil seed rape.

(b(i))[2]

The $bar$ gene was inserted into the oil seed rape using plasmids. The plasmids also included a promoter from thale cress, $\textit{Arabidopsis thaliana}$. Outline the structure of a plasmid.

(b(ii))[3]

Explain how the features of plasmids make them suitable for use in genetic modification programmes.

(b(iii))[2]

Describe the role of a promoter in gene expression.

(iii)[2]

Describe the function of a promoter in gene expression.

(c(i))[1]

Predict the diploid chromosome number in a hybrid between oil seed rape and wild radish.

(c(ii))[1]

Suggest how the researchers could have established whether or not the $bar$ gene was present in the plants.

(c(iii))[3]

Many varieties of GM oil seed rape are male sterile, so they do not produce pollen. With reference to Table 3.1, suggest the environmental advantages of growing male sterile varieties of GM oil seed rape instead of GM varieties that produce pollen.

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