Practise 36 exam-style questions on Role of biotechnology (biology only) for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
36 questions
3–5 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
3 marks
Explain why genetically modifying a microorganism to overexpress a desired enzyme can increase food-processing efficiency.
Model answer
Higher enzyme production increases reaction rates for processing steps (eg converting starch to sugars), reducing time and cost. Overexpression provides more catalyst per cell and can allow lower temperatures or milder conditions.
Explanation
Overexpressing enzymes gives more catalytic activity for processing food substrates, speeding reactions and saving time, energy and costs. It can enable processing under milder conditions, preserving quality.
Mark scheme
1 mark
more enzyme produced increases reaction rate
1 mark
faster processing / higher efficiency / reduced time and cost
1 mark
allows milder conditions or lower temperatures / less energy usage
Question 2
4 marks
List four aseptic techniques that should be used when culturing microorganisms for food production to prevent contamination.
Model answer
sterilising equipment, working near a flame or laminar flow hood, using sterile culture media, sterilising hands/gloves and using sealed bioreactors, preventing airborne contamination.
Explanation
Maintaining aseptic technique—sterilising equipment and media, working in sterile airflow or near a flame, using PPE and closed bioreactors—prevents contamination of cultures that would spoil the food product or produce unwanted microbes.
Mark scheme
1 mark
sterilise equipment / autoclave
1 mark
use sterile media / sterile containers
1 mark
work in sterile environment / laminar flow hood or use flame
1 mark
use gloves / clean hands and avoid opening containers unnecessarily
Also accept sealed/closed bioreactor systems.
Question 3
4 marks
A factory producing mycoprotein measures protein content as a key QC parameter. Describe a simple analytical method to determine protein content of a sample.
Model answer
Use a colorimetric assay such as the Bradford or biuret assay: prepare standards, react samples with reagent, measure absorbance at specific wavelength with a spectrophotometer and compare to standard curve to calculate protein concentration.
Explanation
Protein assays like Bradford or biuret produce a colour proportional to protein amount; measuring absorbance and comparing to standards gives the protein concentration in the product for quality control.
Mark scheme
1 mark
use Bradford or biuret (colorimetric) assay
1 mark
prepare standards and samples and add reagent
1 mark
measure absorbance at specific wavelength with spectrophotometer
1 mark
compare sample absorbance to standard curve to get protein content
Question 4
5 marks
Devise a simple experimental plan to compare yield of a conventional crop and a GM crop in terms of mass harvested. Include how you would control variables and how many replicates you would use.
Model answer
Grow both crop types in randomized blocks under same soil, water, light and fertiliser conditions. Use multiple replicate plots (eg at least 4 per type) randomized across field to reduce location effects. Keep planting density and sowing date equal. Harvest and measure mass per plot and calculate mean yields; use statistical test to compare.
Explanation
A fair comparison uses randomized replicated plots with identical management and environmental conditions; yields are measured per plot, averaged and statistically compared to determine any real differences between conventional and GM crops.
Mark scheme
1 mark
randomised plot design and replicate plots (eg =4 per treatment)
Replication and randomisation required.
1 mark
control variables: same soil, water, light, fertiliser, planting density, timing
Any two or more controlled variables acceptable.
1 mark
measure yield by mass harvested per plot and calculate mean
1 mark
randomisation of plot locations to avoid site bias
1 mark
use statistical comparison (eg t-test or compare means) or state replication reduces error
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