Cambridge International A Level · Biology (9700)

Genetic technology: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Genetic technology.

10 questions26 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In genetic engineering, which enzyme is responsible for forming phosphodiester bonds between the inserted gene and the plasmid DNA backbone?

Question 2

1 mark

Gene therapy for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) often involves introducing a functional gene into hematopoietic stem cells. What is a major challenge in ensuring the long-term success and safety of this approach?

Question 3

1 mark

Which of the following best describes recombinant DNA?

Question 4

1 mark

Genetically modified crops that exhibit herbicide resistance, such as certain soybean varieties, offer farmers advantages. However, what is a significant ecological concern regarding the widespread adoption of these GM crops?

Question 5

1 mark

Recombinant human insulin is widely used to treat diabetes. What is a key advantage of using recombinant human insulin compared to insulin historically extracted from animal pancreases?

Question 6

2 marks

Define the term recombinant DNA as it is used in the field of genetic technology.

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Question 7

4 marks

Explain the role of reverse transcriptase in the synthesis of complementary DNA (cDNA) for use in genetic engineering.

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Question 8

6 marks

Outline how microarrays are utilised to compare the levels of mRNA expression between two different tissue samples.

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Question 9

4 marks

Genetic technology involves the deliberate manipulation of genetic material to modify the characteristics of an organism.
(a) Define the term recombinant DNA.
(b) Describe the specific roles of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase in the production of a bacterial plasmid containing a human gene.
(c) Explain why reverse transcriptase is required when a scientist chooses to synthesise a gene from a donor organism's messenger RNA (mRNA) rather than extracting it directly from the DNA.

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Question 10

5 marks

The development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture is intended to solve global food demand. One example is the production of insect-resistant cotton.
(a) Describe how a gene from a soil bacterium can be used to provide cotton plants with resistance to insect pests.
(b) Explain how the cultivation of insect-resistant crops may improve the productivity of farmed land.
(c) Discuss two distinct social or ethical implications of using GMOs in the production of food for human consumption.

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