Genetic Modification & Biotechnology (DP IB Biology: SL)

Which of the following statements explains the separation of molecules in electrophoresis?

What is the correct order of events for the stages of PCR shown in the diagram?

If one molecule of DNA goes through 5 PCR cycles in the thermocycler, how many copies of that molecule of DNA will be produced?

What key feature of the genetic code makes it possible to transfer genes between species?

Which enzyme is required by geneticists to produce sections of DNA from single-stranded RNA for the production of genetically modified organisms?

Which statement can not be concluded from the DNA profile shown?

Cloning can be carried out at the embryo stage. Which statements are true about the cells in the embryo during the embryo splitting process? 

1. The cells are pluripotent.
2. The cells are differentiated.
3. The cells were created by mitosis.
4. The cells are haploid.

Why might scientists need to consider the risks associated with GM crops?

A possible research question on plant cloning could be: 

‘Does the position on the stem at which a cutting is taken affect its ability to form roots?’ 

Which variables would allow a valid investigation into this question?

A technique was developed to genetically modify a species of maize to be more resistant to drought by reducing the rate of water loss through transpiration. 

A comparison was made between the new GM maize and the original maize in order to establish how effective the modification process had been in reducing the rate of transpiration.

What can you conclude from these results?

Some scientists were investigating the allele frequencies in a population of flies for a gene responsible for insecticide resistance.

They obtained DNA samples from a representative group in the population and then carried out PCR to amplify the DNA.

Scientists used the same restriction endonuclease on each sample before undertaking PCR, explain why.

DNA samples were taken from five individuals and analysed using gel electrophoresis to produce a DNA profile.  The DNA profile shows the results for a single gene.

What conclusions can be made from the profile shown in the image?

In 1989 a company called AquaBounty Technologies genetically engineered (GE) Atlantic salmon to contain a growth hormone-regulating gene which had been extracted from another species of salmon (the Pacific Chinook salmon). 

The modification resulted in an increased rate of growth without impacting any other health qualities. Fully grown GE salmon were the same size as the unmodified salmon, however, it took less time for them to reach full size.

Identify which of the following options would not be considered a risk for GE salmon.

Which row correctly describes the different cloning mechanisms?

Some scientists wanted to show the quantity of mRNA that was transcribed from a specific allele of a gene in a sample of cells. The statements explain some of the procedures that the scientists followed to show the presence of the mRNA quantitatively.

1. Gene probe was added with a coloured dye attached
2. Reverse transcriptase was added
3. PCR was carried out to amplify the material
4. Intensity of colour was studied

Which option gives the correct order for the method followed by the scientists?