Genetically modified organisms
Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) · Unit 19: Genetic technology · 7 flashcards
Genetically modified organisms is topic 19.3 in the Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) syllabus , positioned in Unit 19 — Genetic technology , alongside Principles of genetic engineering and Genetic technology applied to medicine.
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 7 flashcards — 7 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 that genetic engineering may help to solve the global demand for food by improving the quality and productivity of farmed animals and crop plants, using the examples of GM salmon, herbicide resistance in soybean and insect resistance in cotton
- discuss the ethical and social implications of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production
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 Genetically modified organisms
- › 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.
How can genetic engineering improve farmed animal productivity to meet global food demands? Give an example.
Genetic engineering can enhance farmed animal productivity by increasing growth rate, disease resistance, and nutrient content.
Explain how herbicide resistance in soybean contributes to improved food production.
Herbicide-resistant soybeans allow farmers to use broad-spectrum herbicides without harming the crop. This reduces weed competition, leading to higher soybean yields and improved overall food production efficiency.
Describe the mechanism by which insect resistance is achieved in GM cotton, and its benefit.
GM cotton expresses a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produces a toxin harmful to specific insects. This reduces the need for chemical insecticides, minimizing environmental impact and crop damage by pests, thus increasing yield.
Outline one ethical concern associated with the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production.
One ethical concern is the potential for unintended consequences on ecosystems and biodiversity. The introduction of GMOs could disrupt ecological balance, affecting non-target organisms and leading to unforeseen environmental problems.
What are potential social implications of relying on GM crops for global food security?
Social implications include concerns about the control of food production by large corporations, the potential displacement of small-scale farmers who cannot afford GM seeds, and access disparities to modified foods in poorer countries.
Describe the main concerns related to the safety of consuming GM foods.
Concerns involve potential allergenicity or toxicity of the introduced genes or proteins. Although safety assessments are conducted, long-term effects on human health are difficult to predict with certainty.
What are the potential benefits of GM crops regarding the use of pesticides and herbicides?
GM crops can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
More topics in Unit 19 — Genetic technology
Genetically modified organisms 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 Genetically modified organisms deck
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