Biological engineering

Question 1

State the optimum temperature for penicillin production [1]

Answer 1

24

Question 2

Describe how a plasmid is cut so that a new gene can be inserted into the plasmid [2]

Answer 2

restriction enzyme
form sticky ends
plasmid cut with same enzyme
to form complementary sticky ends

Question 3

Explain why bacteria in a fermenter did not grow for longer than five days [4]

Answer 3

limiting factors
not enough space
competition
fewer nutrients
not enough oxygen
increase in acidity
increase in temp
build up of toxic substances

Question 4

Explain why there is a tube in fermenter to allow gases to escape [2]

Answer 4

carbon dioxide
pressure will increase

Question 5

Suggest advantages of using biofuels instead of fossil fuels [3]

Answer 5

conserves fossil fuels
renewable
carbon neutral
c02 produced used in photosunthesis
less likely to cause acid rain
ref to global warming
uses waste from crops for energy