Genetic technology applied to medicine
Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) · Unit 19: Genetic technology · 8 flashcards
Genetic technology applied to medicine is topic 19.2 in the Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) syllabus , positioned in Unit 19 — Genetic technology , alongside Principles of genetic engineering and Genetically modified organisms.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 8 flashcards — 8 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.
What the Cambridge 9700 syllabus says
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- explain the advantages of using recombinant human proteins to treat disease, using the examples insulin, factor VIII and adenosine deaminase
- outline the advantages of genetic screening, using the examples of breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2), Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis
- outline how genetic diseases can be treated with gene therapy, using the examples severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and inherited eye diseases
- discuss the social and ethical considerations of using genetic screening and gene therapy in medicine
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9700 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Genetic technology applied to medicine
- › For Huntington's disease, specify that 'gene editing' removes the 'extra repeats of the triplet CAG' from the dominant allele.
- › State clearly that current gene therapy is limited to targeting specific, accessible somatic cells and often lacks long-term persistence.
Explain two advantages of using recombinant human insulin to treat diabetes compared to using insulin derived from animals.
Recombinant human insulin is less likely to cause allergic reactions in patients, as it is identical to human insulin. Additionally, it can be produced in larger quantities and more sustainably than animal-derived insulin, reducing reliance on animal sources.
What are the ethical considerations associated with genetic screening for late-onset diseases like Huntington's disease?
Ethical concerns include the psychological impact of knowing one will develop an incurable disease, potential discrimination in employment or insurance, and the right of individuals to not know their genetic predisposition.
Outline the basic process of gene therapy and what is its main goal?
Gene therapy involves introducing genetic material into cells to compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein. The main goal is to treat or prevent diseases by correcting the underlying genetic defect.
Describe the advantages of genetic screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in individuals with a family history of breast cancer.
Genetic screening allows for early detection of increased risk, enabling preventative measures like increased surveillance, prophylactic surgery (mastectomy or oophorectomy), or chemoprevention. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and potentially reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
Explain why SCID is often considered a good target for gene therapy compared to other genetic disorders.
SCID affects hematopoietic stem cells, which can be easily accessed and manipulated ex vivo. Corrected cells can then be transplanted back into the patient, restoring immune function, and the selective advantage of corrected cells means the treatment can be long-lasting.
What is the key difference between somatic and germline gene therapy, and why is germline therapy more ethically controversial?
Somatic gene therapy alters genes in specific body cells, while germline gene therapy alters genes in reproductive cells, passing changes to future generations. Germline therapy is controversial due to concerns about unforeseen consequences on the gene pool and the potential for 'designer babies'.
Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using viral vectors in gene therapy.
Advantage: Viruses are naturally efficient at delivering genetic material into cells. Disadvantage: There is a risk of immune response or insertional mutagenesis (disrupting other genes), which can lead to adverse health effects.
What are some social implications to consider before implementing widespread genetic screening programs for diseases like cystic fibrosis?
Social implications include the potential for stigmatization or discrimination against carriers, the emotional impact on families, the need for genetic counseling services, and the equitable access to screening and follow-up care across different populations.
More topics in Unit 19 — Genetic technology
Genetic technology applied to medicine sits alongside these A-Level Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
How to study this Genetic technology applied to medicine deck
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