Biology 0610 · IGCSE · Genetic modification

Genetic modification — practice question

Genetic engineering may be used to improve crops. Fig. 5.1 contains part of a newspaper report about a new maize variety. The report is headed "BUG-FREE MAIZE" and says that scientists have produced Bt maize which has its own insecticide. Some bacteria naturally make an insecticide called Bt. Scientists removed the gene for this insecticide from the bacteria and put it into maize plants.
(a)[2]

Explain what the term genetic engineering means.

(b(i))[2]

State the definition of a gene.

(b(ii))[2]

Use the information in Fig. 5.1 to suggest how putting this gene into the maize could increase the farmer’s crop.

(c(i))[1]

Describe the meaning of pollination.

(c(ii))[1]

Suggest why planting Bt maize close to apple trees could lower the yield of the fruit crop.

(d)[2]

State two more examples of genetic engineering.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Altering the genetic material in an organism

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