BIOTECHNOLOGY and GENETIC MODIFICATION

FLASHCARDS

Define the term biotechnology.

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce products that are useful to humans.

Why are bacteria useful in biotechnology?

Bacteria are useful in biotechnology because:

they have a rapid reproduction rate

they can produce complex molecules

there are few ethical concerns around their use (Extended Tier Only)

they contain plasmids (Extended Tier Only)

Why does the presence of plasmids in bacteria make them useful in biotechnology. (Extended Tier Only)

Plasmids in bacteria are useful in biotechnology because they are an easy way of introducing new genes into bacteria during genetic modification.

How do yeast cells produce ethanol for biofuels?

Yeast produce ethanol for biofuels during anaerobic respiration as follows:

glucoserightwards arrowethanol + carbon dioxide

True or False?

Yeast requires oxygen to respire.

False.

Yeast can carry out anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen.

What is the role of yeast in bread making?

In bread making yeast uses sugars for anaerobic respiration, producing carbon dioxide that causes the dough to rise.

True or False?

Pectinase enzyme is involved in the production of cloudy fruit juices.

False.

Pectinase enzyme enables the production of clear fruit juices.

What is the benefit of adding enzymes to washing powders?

It is useful to add enzymes to washing powders because:

the enzymes can break down biological stains containing fats and proteins

enzyme operate effectively at lower temperatures, so washing temperatures can be reduced

How can enzymes be used in the production of lactose-free milk? (Extended Tier Only)

Lactose free milk can be produced using lactase enzymes which break down the lactose in milk.

What products can be produced on a large scale using industrial fermenters? (Extended Tier Only)

Products that can be produced in fermenters include:

insulin

penicillin

mycoprotein

What is mycoprotein?

Mycoprotein is a protein-rich food produced by a fungus. It is suitable for vegetarians and often used as a meat-substitute.

Which conditions need to be controlled inside a fermenter? (Extended Tier Only)

Conditions that need to be controlled inside a fermenter include:

temperature

pH

oxygen concentration

nutrient supply

concentration of waste products

Why does temperature need to be controlled inside fermenters? (Extended Tier Only)

Temperature needs to be controlled inside fermenters because respiring microorganisms release heat when they respire. The fermenter therefore needs to be kept cool to ensure that microbial enzymes do not denature.

What is genetic modification?

Genetic modification involves changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes.

True or False?

Human genes can be inserted into bacteria, which then produce human proteins.

True.