Genetic technology — AS & A Level Biology (9700) questions by topic
Recombinant DNA, gene synthesis and named-disease applications sit at the centre of this topic: defining genetic engineering precisely, comparing amino acid sequences across species to choose a synthesis template, and outlining how genetic technology is applied to named diseases in medicine. Outline, suggest and explain lead the command words, and outline wants several distinct, named applications rather than one elaborated point.
This set has 16 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers, and marks run from 7 to 13, so every answer needs multiple linked points rather than a brief recall. Submitting outline-style answers for instant marking is useful here, since a rehearsed general answer about 'genetic engineering' that ignores the specific context given is flagged immediately rather than repeated.
What examiners look for
- A recurring struggle is giving a full, precise definition of recombinant DNA, which needs more than one piece of DNA from different sources being joined together.
- Advantages of human insulin, such as a faster response, are often omitted or stated as 'more effective' without specifying in what way.
- General knowledge about 'genetic engineering' is sometimes written without engaging with the specific context of the question asked.
- A common gap describes one DNA strand joining to another, implying annealing, where ligase joining two linear DNA pieces is the correct mechanism.
- Strong answers name diseases for which genetic screening is possible, explain the advantages of recombinant over animal-derived insulin, and state clearly that recombinant DNA combines pieces from more than one organism or species.
May–June 2025, Paper 42
A number of diseases in humans can be treated using recombinant human proteins. These are produced by recombinant DNA technology. To produce a human protein for treatment of a…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 43
Recombinant DNA technology is used to make recombinant human proteins. Two available methods to obtain the gene of interest are: cutting the gene out of genomic DNA using…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 44
Scientists used genetic engineering techniques to modify the malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. In the modified A. stephensi, a gene called tTav is expressed in the cells of…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 42
State one reason why a doctor would recommend that a person has genetic testing for a mutation in the gene BRCA1 and explain why this mutation would put the person at a greater…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 43
Genetic engineering is a technique used to modify the genetic material of a specific organism to change a characteristic. Genetic engineering uses specific enzymes and commonly…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 42
The treatment of many diseases has been improved by the use of genetic technology in medicine. Explain what is meant by genetic engineering.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 43
Scientists use many different techniques in genetic engineering. Sometimes the gene for genetic engineering cannot be extracted from the donor organism. Instead, the gene is…
Answer this question and get it marked →February–March 2023, Paper 42
Array comparative genome hybridisation (aCGH) is a technique involving the use of a microarray to analyse a genome or sections of a genome. Outline the steps required to prepare…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 41
Recombinant human proteins can be used to treat disease. Define the term recombinant DNA.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 42
Restriction endonucleases are used in genetic modification. These enzymes occur naturally in prokaryotic cells. More than 3500 different restriction endonucleases have been…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 43
Suggest and explain why it may be more appropriate to use enzyme replacement therapy to treat SCID instead of a bone marrow transplant.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 41
The potato plant, Solanum tuberosum, is an important food crop; crop yield is reduced if the leaves are eaten by the larvae of the Colorado beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Crop…
Answer this question and get it marked →Medicine is defined as the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Outline the different ways in which genetic technology can be applied to medicine, with reference to…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 42
A marker gene can be used when a gene of interest is introduced into a plant by genetic engineering. Describe and explain how the use of a marker gene coding for a fluorescent…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 43
The potato plant, Solanum tuberosum, is an important food crop. Crop yield is reduced if the leaves of the plant are eaten by the larvae (immature stages) of the Colorado beetle,…
Answer this question and get it marked →Medicine is defined as the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Outline the different ways in which genetic technology can be applied to medicine, with reference to…
Answer this question and get it marked →Other AS & A Level Biology topics
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