Use of biological resources: Practice Questions

A student investigates the rate of anaerobic respiration in yeast by measuring the volume of gas produced at different temperatures. Which gas is being measured, and what is the other primary product of this reaction in yeast?

When growing genetically modified bacteria in an industrial fermenter to produce insulin, the pH must be carefully monitored. Why is maintaining a constant pH critical for maximizing the yield of the product?

In the process of producing human insulin via genetic modification, a specific sequence of DNA is inserted into a bacterial plasmid. What term describes the plasmid in this context, and why is it used?

In an experiment to investigate yeast respiration, a layer of oil is often placed on top of the yeast and glucose solution. What is the purpose of this oil layer?

In a commercial glasshouse, growers often use heaters that burn paraffin to increase crop yield. Which statement best explains the dual benefit of this practice for photosynthesis?

Explain how glasshouses and polythene tunnels can be used to increase the yield of certain crops by modifying the environment.

Discuss the roles of restriction enzymes and ligase enzymes in the process of creating a transgenic organism during genetic modification.

A biotechnology company aims to produce human insulin on a large scale using genetic engineering techniques. To achieve this, scientists use specific biological tools and organisms.

(a) State the term used to describe the transfer of genetic material from one species to a different species. (1)

(b) Explain the specific roles of restriction enzymes and ligase enzymes in the process of creating recombinant DNA for insulin production. (2)

(c) In this process, a plasmid is often used. Describe the role of a plasmid and identify the type of organism it is naturally found in. (2)

(d) Once the genetically modified bacteria are created, they are grown in large industrial fermenters. Suggest two conditions that must be controlled within the fermenter to ensure the maximum yield of human insulin, and explain why each is necessary. (2)

Farmers often use glasshouses to maximize the yield of crops like tomatoes.

(a) Explain how controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide and the temperature inside a glasshouse increases the yield of a crop. Refer to the process of photosynthesis in your answer. (4)

(b) A farmer considers using genetically modified (GM) plants. Define the term transgenic and describe the role of vectors in the process of genetic modification. (3)