Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Question 1

Uses of Bacteria

Answer 1

Capable of producing complex molecules and they reproduce rapidly; contain the same genetic code as the organisms we are taking the genes from, meaning they can easily ‘read’ it and produce the same proteins; no ethical concerns; the presence of plasmids in bacteria, separate from the main bacterial chromosome, makes them easy to remove and manipulate to insert genes into them and then place back inside the bacterial cells

Question 2

Biofuel

Answer 2

A fuel made from living organisms that are used as a substrate to react with yeast and produce ethanol

Question 3

Pectinase

Answer 3

Breaks down pectin found inside plant cell walls. It allows for more juice to be produced and it is clearer.

Question 4

Benefits of biological washing powders containing enzymes

Answer 4

Quickly break down large, insoluble molecules smaller, soluble ones; effective at lower temperatures (cheaper); can be used to clean delicate fabrics (as temp is lower)

Question 5

Penicillin

Answer 5

The first antibiotic discovered that produces a chemical to prevent it being infected by certain types of bacteria.

Question 6

Fermenters

Answer 6

Containers used to grow microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in large amounts. The conditions can be carefully controlled: aseptic precautions (use steam to kill microorganisms and prevent contamination); nutrients; optimum temperature; optimum pH; oxygenation; agitation.

Question 7

Genetic Engineering

Answer 7

The changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes from another organism

Question 8

The DNA of an organism that also contains the DNA of another organism

Answer 8

recombinant DNA

Question 9

Advantages of GM crops

Answer 9

Reduced use of herbicides and pesticides; increased yields from the crops

Question 10

Disadvantages of GM crops

Answer 10

Seeds cost more so smaller farms cannot afford them; risk of inserted genes being transferred to wild plants; reduced biodiversity; plants may not grow as well

Question 11

Process of genetic engineering

Answer 11

Restriction enzymes are used to isolate the required gene, leaving it with ‘sticky ends’ (a short section of unpaired bases). A bacterial plasmid is cut by the same restriction enzyme leaving it with corresponding sticky ends. The plasmid and the isolated gene are joined together by DNA ligase enzyme to form a single, unbroken molecule of DNA which is inserted into a bacterial cell that can reproduce so a recombinant plasmid can quickly be spread.