Genetic Engineering Past Mock Questions

Question 1

Give one application of genetic engineering using a microorganism

Answer 1

Using E.coli to produce insulin

Question 2

Explain what is meant by isolation

Answer 2

Isolation is the removal of the chromosome containing the target gene from the human cell and the plasmid DNA from the bacterium

Question 3

Explain what is meant by expression

Answer 3

Expression is the formation of the product by the organism with the recombinant DNA

Question 4

Give one application of genetic engineering involving a plant

Answer 4

Weed-killer-resistant crops

These are crops which have bacterial genes added to them which make them resistant to particular weed-killers or herbicides
This means that when the herbicide is sprayed on the crop it will kill the weeds but not kill the transgenic plants

Question 5

Give one application of genetic engineering involving a microorganism

Answer 5

Bacteria which can make insulin

The insertion of the gene for human insulin into a bacterium called E.coli
The bacterium then produces large quantities of insulin which can be used by diabetics who cannot produce insulin in their bodies on their own

Question 6

Give one application of genetic engineering involving an animal

Answer 6

Sheep which produce a protein to treat emphysema

Some people have a faulty gene that means they cannot produce a protective protein in their lungs

This leads to the collapse of the alveoli, in a condition known as emphysema

A working human gene for this protein known as AAT has been inserted into sheep DNA.

The sheep can then produce the protein in their milk