Pearson Edexcel IGCSE · Biology

Genetic modification (genetic engineering): Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Genetic modification (genetic engineering).

10 questions27 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In genetic engineering, which type of enzyme is used to join two separate pieces of DNA together to form a recombinant molecule?

Question 2

1 mark

Which of the following describes the specific role of restriction enzymes in the production of genetically modified bacteria?

Question 3

1 mark

A scientist uses the same restriction enzyme to cut both a human gene and a bacterial plasmid. Why is using the same enzyme critical for creating recombinant DNA?

Question 4

1 mark

In genetic engineering, which of the following describes the role of plasmids?

Question 5

1 mark

What does the term transgenic mean in the context of genetic modification?

Question 6

2 marks

Name the two specific types of biological molecules that can act as vectors to carry foreign DNA into a host cell during genetic modification.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 7

4 marks

Give two reasons why human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria is superior to insulin extracted from animals for treating diabetes.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 8

5 marks

Explain how transgenic technology enables a single bacterium to produce a human protein like insulin.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 9

5 marks

The diagram shows a bacterial plasmid being manipulated in a laboratory. A section of the circular DNA is cut, and a human gene is inserted to create a recombinant DNA molecule.
a) Identify the type of enzyme used to cut the DNA at specific sites.
b) Identify the enzyme used to join the human gene into the plasmid.
c) Why is the plasmid referred to as a vector in this process?

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 10

6 marks

Genetically modified bacteria are used to produce human insulin on an industrial scale.
a) Explain why the human gene must be used rather than a cow or pig gene.
b) Describe the advantages of using fermenters to grow these transgenic bacteria.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

* The content provided by thinka is generated by AI and may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Please use it as a supplementary resource and verify with official materials.

You've seen the model answer. Now get yours marked.

This page can show you how a good answer looks. It cannot tell you what your answer was missing. thinka marks your written work against the real mark scheme in about 15 seconds.

Get My Answers Marked Back to the notes

Want more questions like these? Get a fresh set on this topic, graded as you go.