A new strain of genetically modified (GM) Atlantic salmon has been developed. These salmon grow to market size in half the time of wild salmon, require less feed, and can be farmed in inland facilities. The salmon contain a growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon and a promoter from ocean pout, allowing continuous growth. A government committee is considering whether to approve these GM salmon for human consumption. Explain the potential benefits of using GM salmon in food production and the ethical and social implications of approving their use.
CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Genetic technology
Genetic technology: explain question
Explain5 marksStandard
How this question is marked
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
More Genetic technology questions
- 4 marks · A researcher is investigating which genes are being expressed in a particular type of human liver cell. Outline how a DNA microarray could…
- 4 marks · A researcher constructs a recombinant plasmid containing a human gene that codes for a therapeutic protein. The plasmid includes a…
- 4 marks · Soybean is a major crop used for animal feed and human food worldwide. Weeds compete with soybeans, reducing yields. Some soybean…
- 4 marks · Soybean crops are often treated with herbicides to control weeds. Some soybean varieties have been genetically modified to be resistant to…
- 5 marks · A scientist inserts a human gene into a bacterial plasmid to produce a human protein. Outline why it is necessary to include a promoter…
- 5 marks · An inherited eye disease, such as Leber congenital amaurosis, is caused by a mutation in a single gene. Gene therapy has been developed as…
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.