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Biotechnology — Free MYP4 Biology Practice Questions
1QuestionMedical Applications of Genetic ModificationConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
A genetically modified bacterium is used to manufacture human insulin for diabetic patients. The bacterium contains a small, circular piece of DNA, labelled X in the diagram, which has been introduced into the cell during the genetic modification process.
a
Identify structure X. [1]
b
Explain how structure X enables the bacterium to produce human insulin. [1]
Solutions
2QuestionGenetically Modified Crops and Agricultural ApplicationsConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The bar chart below shows the percentage of crop lost to pests for four corn varieties grown under identical conditions.
Crop lost (%):
Non-GM control: 28%
GM-Cry1Ab: 12%
GM-Cry1F: 8%
GM-Cry2Ab2: 5%
Each GM variety has been engineered to express a different Bt protein (Cry1Ab, Cry1F, or Cry2Ab2).
Crop lost (%):
Non-GM control: 28%
GM-Cry1Ab: 12%
GM-Cry1F: 8%
GM-Cry2Ab2: 5%
Each GM variety has been engineered to express a different Bt protein (Cry1Ab, Cry1F, or Cry2Ab2).
a
State which GM variety provides the greatest reduction in crop loss compared to the non-GM control. [1]
b
Explain why all three GM varieties show lower pest damage than the non-GM control. [1]
c
Analyse what the differences in crop loss among the three GM varieties suggest about the Bt proteins they express. [1]
Solutions
3QuestionReproductive Cloning TechniquesConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The diagram below shows four stages (A, B, C, D) of the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) process used in reproductive cloning. Stage A shows a somatic cell with its nucleus being removed. Stage B shows an enucleated egg cell. Stage C shows the somatic cell nucleus being inserted into the enucleated egg cell. Stage D shows the reconstructed egg cell being stimulated to divide.
Describe in your own words, using accurate biological terminology, what is happening at Stage A and Stage D. Your description should clearly explain the purpose of each stage in the cloning process.
Describe in your own words, using accurate biological terminology, what is happening at Stage A and Stage D. Your description should clearly explain the purpose of each stage in the cloning process.
Solutions
4QuestionReproductive Cloning TechniquesConcept Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion D
A student drew a diagram of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for cloning a frog, but one step is mislabeled. The diagram shows: 1. Remove nucleus from egg cell, 2. Insert somatic cell nucleus into egg cell, 3. Stimulate egg cell to divide, 4. Implant embryo into surrogate mother. The student incorrectly labeled step 2 as 'Insert whole somatic cell into egg cell'.
a
Identify the error in step 2 and correct it.
b
Explain why performing SCNT precisely in a laboratory would be much more difficult for cloning a very large animal like an elephant compared to a frog. Consider factors such as egg cell size, equipment limitations, and biological complexity.
Solutions
5QuestionTherapeutic Cloning and Stem CellsConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows the key steps of therapeutic cloning using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Step 1: A somatic cell is taken from a patient.
Step 2: An egg cell is obtained from a donor and its nucleus is removed (enucleated egg).
Step 3: The nucleus from the somatic cell is inserted into the enucleated egg cell.
Step 4: The egg cell is stimulated to divide and develops into a blastocyst.
Step 5: Stem cells are harvested from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst.
Step 1: A somatic cell is taken from a patient.
Step 2: An egg cell is obtained from a donor and its nucleus is removed (enucleated egg).
Step 3: The nucleus from the somatic cell is inserted into the enucleated egg cell.
Step 4: The egg cell is stimulated to divide and develops into a blastocyst.
Step 5: Stem cells are harvested from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst.
a
Identify the step in which the somatic cell nucleus is inserted into the enucleated egg cell. [1]
b
Explain why the stem cells harvested in Step 5 are genetically identical to the patient, not to the egg cell donor. [2]
Solutions
6QuestionEnvironmental Ethics of GM OrganismsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion D
Bt corn has been genetically modified to produce a toxin (Cry protein) that kills certain insect pests. Following its widespread commercial release, scientists observed unexpected effects on non-target insect populations in surrounding ecosystems.
a
Identify one ethical issue raised by the environmental release of Bt corn. [1]
b
Explain why predicting the long-term ecological impacts of GM crops such as Bt corn is challenging. [1]
Solutions
7QuestionEnvironmental Ethics of GM OrganismsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows a genetically modified bacterium used in the commercial production of human insulin. A rod-shaped prokaryotic cell is visible, containing a large circular chromosome and a smaller circular structure labelled X. A highlighted segment within X represents an inserted human gene.
a
Identify the organism shown in the diagram. [1]
b
Describe the role of structure X in enabling the bacterium to produce human insulin. [1]
Solutions
8QuestionHuman Cloning and Moral ConcernsConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
A survey measured the percentage of people who agreed that genetic research should be used to help treat diseases. Data were collected in the USA, the UK, and Japan between 2000 and 2025.
USA: declined from approximately 80% agreement in 2000 to approximately 20% by 2025.
UK: increased from approximately 15% agreement in 2000 to approximately 75% by 2025.
Japan: rose from approximately 30% in 2000 to approximately 65% around 2015, then fell to approximately 40% by 2025.
USA: declined from approximately 80% agreement in 2000 to approximately 20% by 2025.
UK: increased from approximately 15% agreement in 2000 to approximately 75% by 2025.
Japan: rose from approximately 30% in 2000 to approximately 65% around 2015, then fell to approximately 40% by 2025.
a
Describe the overall trend in public support for genetic research shown by Japan between 2000 and 2025. [1]
b
Calculate the net change in percentage agreement for each country between 2000 and 2025, and identify which country or countries show the greatest change. [1]
c
Explain one reason why public opinion on the use of genetic research to treat disease might differ so significantly between countries such as the USA and the UK. [1]
Solutions
9QuestionGenetic Disease Identification through Genome MappingConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows a human cell with an arrow pointing to a specific structure.
a
Identify the structure indicated by the arrow. [1]
b
Explain how DNA extracted from this structure can be used to identify a genetic disease. [1]
Solutions
10QuestionHuman Genome Project OverviewConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a DNA double helix with a highlighted region labelled X.
a
Identify the biological structure represented by X. [1]
b
Explain why mapping structures such as X was the central goal of the Human Genome Project. [1]
Solutions
11QuestionFuture Developments in Regenerative MedicineConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
Researchers are developing 3D-bioprinted cartilage to repair damaged knee joints. In this process, a bioprinter uses a digital model to construct living tissue from the outside in.
a
Describe how bioink is deposited to form a scaffold during 3D bioprinting. [1]
b
Explain how the printed scaffold is processed after deposition to produce functional tissue. [1]
Solutions
12QuestionFuture Developments in Regenerative MedicineConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion D
Researchers are developing 3D bioprinted kidneys using stem cells derived from donated human embryos. Before these organs can be used in transplant medicine, scientists must address both ethical responsibilities and current technological barriers.
a
Identify one ethical issue scientists must consider when using donated embryonic stem cells in 3D bioprinting of organs. [1]
b
State one specific technological limitation of current 3D bioprinting and explain how this limitation prevents the practical use of bioprinted organs in transplant medicine. [1]
Solutions
13QuestionGenetically Modified Crops and Agricultural ApplicationsAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The table below shows the percentage of corn plants damaged by the European corn borer over three growing seasons under three planting strategies.
| Planting strategy | Year 1 / Year 2 / Year 3 |
|---|---|
| Conventional (non-GM) corn | 45% / 50% / 48% |
| Bt-corn only | 2% / 8% / 15% |
| Bt-corn with 20% non-Bt refuge | 2% / 3% / 4% |
a
Identify the trend in pest damage in Bt-corn-only fields across the three seasons. [1]
b
Explain the biological mechanism that accounts for this trend. [1]
c
Discuss how the presence of a non-Bt refuge influences resistance development in the corn borer population, using data from the table to support your answer. [1]
Solutions
14QuestionPest Resistance through Genetic EngineeringAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
Since its commercial introduction in 2002, Bt cotton — engineered to express insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis — has been adopted across more than 90% of India's cotton-growing area. Despite early promise, its long-term record is contested.
a
Explain how Bt cotton reduces pest damage at the molecular level. [2]
b
Analyse how the widespread, continuous cultivation of Bt cotton creates selective pressure that leads to pest resistance, and explain the consequences of this resistance for farmers. [3]
c
Evaluate the long-term societal and environmental impacts of India's dependence on Bt cotton, considering economic pressures on farmers, loss of traditional seed diversity, and the limitations of single-gene pest management. [3]
Solutions
15QuestionCRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing TechnologyAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
When CRISPR-Cas9 creates a double-strand break, the cell can repair it using either Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) or Homology-Directed Repair (HDR). The graph below shows how the frequency of each pathway changes as the distance from the Cas9 cut site increases from 0 to 100 base pairs.
Explain the trend in DNA repair pathway choice as the distance from the Cas9 cut site increases. In your answer:
Explain the trend in DNA repair pathway choice as the distance from the Cas9 cut site increases. In your answer:
a
Describe the trend shown for both NHEJ and HDR frequencies. [1]
b
Explain why NHEJ frequency decreases as distance from the cut site increases. [1]
c
Explain why HDR frequency increases as distance from the cut site increases. [1]
Solutions
16QuestionPest Resistance through Genetic EngineeringAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A farmer in India is choosing between Bt cotton, genetically modified to produce a toxin lethal to bollworm pests, and traditional cotton. The costs per hectare are:
Bt cotton seeds: 2000 dollars
Traditional cotton seeds: 500 dollars
Pesticide cost: 100 dollars per spray
Pesticide sprays per season — Bt cotton: 1 spray; traditional cotton: 6 sprays
Expected yield per hectare is identical for both varieties.
Bt cotton seeds: 2000 dollars
Traditional cotton seeds: 500 dollars
Pesticide cost: 100 dollars per spray
Pesticide sprays per season — Bt cotton: 1 spray; traditional cotton: 6 sprays
Expected yield per hectare is identical for both varieties.
a
Calculate the total cost per hectare for each cotton type and deduce which option is more cost-effective for the farmer. [2]
b
Discuss the ethical trade-offs between the farmer's short-term financial gain and the broader ecological consequences of adopting Bt cotton. [2]
c
Evaluate the limitations of using cost per hectare as the sole basis for this decision, identifying long-term biological and economic factors the calculation ignores. [2]
Solutions
17QuestionGene Transfer and Environmental ImpactAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A Midwest farmer grows glyphosate-resistant GM soybeans, applying glyphosate broadly to eliminate competing weeds. Neighbouring organic farms report a sharp decline in monarch butterfly populations, attributed to the near-disappearance of milkweed — the sole larval host plant for monarchs — from field margins and surrounding land.
a
Identify two agricultural advantages of growing herbicide-tolerant GM soybeans. [2]
b
Explain how the widespread use of glyphosate on this farm could lead to the decline in monarch butterfly populations observed on neighbouring farms. [2]
c
Discuss the limitations of short-term field trials (1–3 years) for assessing the long-term environmental impact of herbicide-tolerant GM crops on ecosystems such as the one described. [2]
Solutions
18QuestionGene Transfer and Environmental ImpactAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion C
A study investigated gene flow from Bt maize — genetically modified to produce an insecticidal Bt toxin — to its wild relative, teosinte (Zea mays ssp. mexicana). Researchers measured the cross-pollination rate (percentage of teosinte seeds containing the Bt transgene) at increasing distances from a Bt maize field, and recorded larval survival of the target pest, the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), on hybrid and non-Bt teosinte plants.
Survival of pest larvae on hybrid (Bt-teosinte) plants (%): 15
Survival of pest larvae on non-Bt teosinte plants (%): 85
| Distance from Bt maize field (m) | 0 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-pollination rate (%) | 12.5 | 8.2 | 3.1 | 1.0 | 0.2 |
Survival of pest larvae on hybrid (Bt-teosinte) plants (%): 15
Survival of pest larvae on non-Bt teosinte plants (%): 85
a
Describe the pattern of introgression into teosinte populations as distance from the Bt maize field increases. [2]
b
Bt maize is planted in the same field every year. Deduce how the frequency of the Bt-resistance allele in the European corn borer population is likely to change over ten generations, using the larval survival data to support your reasoning. [3]
c
Evaluate whether continued Bt maize cultivation poses a greater long-term ecological risk through resistance evolution in the pest population or through transgene introgression into wild teosinte populations. [3]
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Solutions
19QuestionCloning in Biodiversity ConservationAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
In 2020, scientists successfully cloned a black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) — one of North America's most endangered mammals — using a frozen somatic cell from a ferret that had died over 30 years earlier. The process involved the following steps:
(1) Enucleation of a donor egg cell
(2) Insertion of the somatic cell nucleus from the frozen ferret
(3) Fusion and activation of the reconstructed cell
(4) Development into an embryo
(5) Implantation into a surrogate mother
(1) Enucleation of a donor egg cell
(2) Insertion of the somatic cell nucleus from the frozen ferret
(3) Fusion and activation of the reconstructed cell
(4) Development into an embryo
(5) Implantation into a surrogate mother
a
Identify which step in the diagram represents nuclear transfer. [1]
b
Explain why the egg cell must be enucleated before the donor nucleus is inserted. [2]
c
Analyse how cloning from preserved cells of deceased individuals could affect the long-term survival prospects of a critically endangered population such as the black-footed ferret. [2]
Solutions
20QuestionCloning Efficiency and LimitationsAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
The bar graph below shows cloning efficiency (percentage of nuclear transfer attempts developing into live offspring) for three donor cell types used in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
x-axis: Donor Cell Type (embryonic stem cells; fetal fibroblasts; adult skin cells)
y-axis: Cloning Efficiency (%) — scale 0 to 100
Data:
- Embryonic stem cells: ~80%
- Fetal fibroblasts: ~20%
- Adult skin cells: ~5%
x-axis: Donor Cell Type (embryonic stem cells; fetal fibroblasts; adult skin cells)
y-axis: Cloning Efficiency (%) — scale 0 to 100
Data:
- Embryonic stem cells: ~80%
- Fetal fibroblasts: ~20%
- Adult skin cells: ~5%
a
Describe the trend in cloning efficiency shown in the graph. [1]
b
Explain how the level of cell differentiation accounts for the differences in cloning efficiency between embryonic stem cells and adult skin cells. [1]
c
Analyse why adult skin cells produce a cloning efficiency of only ~5%, despite containing a complete copy of the organism's genome. [1]
Solutions
21QuestionReproductive Cloning TechniquesAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion B
A research team studied reproductive cloning in mice using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). They measured the average telomere length (in kilobase pairs, kb) in the original donor cell and in clones produced over successive generations. The data are:
Original donor cell: 12.5 kb
First-generation clone: 11.8 kb
Second-generation clone (from first clone): 11.1 kb
Third-generation clone (from second clone): 10.4 kb
Original donor cell: 12.5 kb
First-generation clone: 11.8 kb
Second-generation clone (from first clone): 11.1 kb
Third-generation clone (from second clone): 10.4 kb
a
Investigate the pattern in telomere length across generations. Describe the trend you observe.
b
Based on this pattern, predict the average telomere length in a fourth-generation clone.
c
Generalize a rule about how telomere length changes with each generation in reproductive cloning.
d
Justify your rule by explaining the biological mechanism that causes this pattern, linking it to cellular aging.
Solutions
22QuestionReproductive Cloning TechniquesAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion B
A public panel rated the ethical concerns of a reproductive cloning project on a scale from 1 (low concern) to 10 (high concern) for different project scales. The data is shown below:
| Project scale (animals cloned) | 10 | 100 | 1000 | 10000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal welfare concern rating | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Biodiversity loss concern rating | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Human application concern rating | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
a
Investigate the pattern in the data: describe how each ethical concern changes as the project scale increases.
b
Generalize: which ethical concern escalates most sharply with increasing scale? Support your conclusion using the data.
c
Justify your generalization by calculating the average rate of increase for each concern from the smallest to largest scale.
Solutions
23QuestionCloning in Biodiversity ConservationAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The graph below shows the percentage of original genetic diversity retained after three generations of captive breeding in black-footed ferrets, plotted against population size. A population of 10 individuals retains approximately 60% of original genetic diversity, while a population of 100 individuals retains approximately 95%.
a
Describe the trend shown in the graph. [1]
b
Explain why smaller populations lose genetic diversity faster than larger ones. [1]
c
Explain why genetic diversity loss is especially severe in a cloned population that begins with genetically identical individuals. [1]
Solutions
24QuestionEnvironmental Ethics of GM OrganismsAssessment Practice
7 marks~11 minCriterion B
A study monitored glyphosate-resistant weed populations across three GM crop management systems over ten years.
Year: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Continuous GM crop (%): 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, 30, 38, 47, 57, 68
Rotation with non-GM crop (%): 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 19, 25, 32, 40
Organic buffer zones (%): 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
Year: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Continuous GM crop (%): 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, 30, 38, 47, 57, 68
Rotation with non-GM crop (%): 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 19, 25, 32, 40
Organic buffer zones (%): 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
a
Analyse the trend in glyphosate resistance in the continuous GM crop system over the ten-year period, using data from the table to support your answer. [2]
b
Using the rate of change in the rotation system data, justify a prediction for the year in which resistance in that system will reach 50 percent. [3]
c
Evaluate the effectiveness of organic buffer zones compared with continuous GM cropping as a strategy for managing herbicide resistance, using evidence from the data and your understanding of selection pressure. [2]
Solutions
25QuestionRegulation and Bioethics in BiotechnologyAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
Scientists are developing genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) to bioremediate crude oil spills in Arctic marine environments. These GEMs are modified to produce enzymes that break down hydrocarbons at near-freezing temperatures. Unlike chemical dispersants or mechanical skimmers, GEMs are self-replicating and could persist beyond the intended cleanup period. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety currently provides the primary international framework governing the environmental release of such organisms.
a
Discuss two potential benefits of deploying GEMs for oil spill cleanup in Arctic marine environments. [2]
b
Analyse the ecological risks arising from releasing self-replicating GEMs into Arctic waters, including the role of horizontal gene transfer. [3]
c
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Cartagena Protocol in regulating GEM releases into Arctic environments, and justify one specific improvement to the regulatory framework. [3]
Solutions
26QuestionRegulation and Bioethics in BiotechnologyAssessment Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion D
In a drought-prone region of sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers face repeated crop failures. A biotechnology company has developed a genetically modified (GM) drought-resistant maize variety that could prevent food shortages. However, national regulations require a mandatory 5-year environmental impact study before any GM crop may be approved for cultivation.
Discuss the ethical conflict between the farmer's urgent need for food security and the regulatory requirement for long-term environmental assessment before approving GM drought-resistant maize. [2]
Discuss the ethical conflict between the farmer's urgent need for food security and the regulatory requirement for long-term environmental assessment before approving GM drought-resistant maize. [2]
Solutions
27QuestionHuman Cloning and Moral ConcernsAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The diagram below illustrates the five steps of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) used in human cloning: (1) a somatic donor cell is taken from an adult human; (2) an egg cell is enucleated; (3) the donor nucleus is inserted into the enucleated egg cell; (4) the reconstructed cell is stimulated to divide, forming an embryo; (5) the embryo is implanted into a surrogate mother.
a
Describe the role of the enucleated egg cell in the SCNT process. [1]
b
Explain why the clone is genetically identical to the somatic donor and not to the egg cell donor. [1]
c
A scientist argues that the clone is not truly "100% genetically identical" to the somatic donor. Evaluate this claim. [1]
Solutions
28QuestionHuman Cloning and Moral ConcernsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion A
A patient advocacy group proposes using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create cloned human embryos from which stem cells would be harvested to treat Parkinson's disease. The embryos would be destroyed during the process.
a
Explain how SCNT produces stem cells that are genetically matched to a specific patient. [2]
b
Discuss the ethical conflict between the potential medical benefits of this therapy and the moral concerns raised by the destruction of human embryos. [2]
c
Analyse how differing cultural or religious perspectives could prevent the universal application of SCNT-based therapies. Use one specific example to support your analysis. [2]
Solutions
29QuestionHuman Genome Project OverviewAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The bar chart below shows the number of protein-coding genes and non-coding RNA genes identified across five human chromosome groups, ordered from largest (group 1–5) to smallest (group 21–22+X+Y).
| Protein-coding genes | 1200 | 900 | 700 | 500 | 300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-coding RNA genes | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 |
a
Calculate the ratio of protein-coding to non-coding RNA genes for chromosome group 1–5 and for chromosome group 21–22+X+Y. [1]
b
Describe the trend in this ratio as chromosome size decreases. [1]
c
Explain what this trend suggests about the contribution of smaller chromosomes to the functional complexity of the human genome. [1]
Solutions
30QuestionDNA Profiling in Forensic ScienceAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The diagram below shows gel electrophoresis results for DNA samples from a crime scene, a suspect, and a victim. DNA fragments are separated by size; smaller fragments migrate further from the wells.
a
State the principle that allows DNA fragments to be separated during gel electrophoresis. [1]
b
Explain why the suspect's DNA profile shows a band at the same position as a band in the crime scene sample. [1]
c
Analyse what the absence of a matching band in the victim's profile indicates about the source of the crime scene DNA, and evaluate whether a single matching band is sufficient to confirm the suspect's guilt. [1]
Solutions
31QuestionDNA Profiling in Forensic ScienceAssessment Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
During DNA replication, a replication fork forms as the double helix is unwound.
The diagram below shows a replication fork with two template strands being copied simultaneously.
The diagram below shows a replication fork with two template strands being copied simultaneously.
a
State the role of helicase at the replication fork. [1]
b
Explain why DNA polymerase synthesises the lagging strand discontinuously, producing Okazaki fragments, while the leading strand is synthesised continuously. [1]
Solutions
32QuestionData Privacy and Risks in Genomic ResearchAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A user submits a DNA sample to a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company to learn about their ancestry. The privacy policy states that "anonymized genomic data may be shared with third parties for research purposes." The user later discovers their anonymized data was sold to a pharmaceutical company without their explicit consent.
a
Discuss the ethical implications of sharing anonymized genomic data without explicit consent, with reference to the principles of autonomy and informed consent. [2]
b
Explain why anonymized genomic data may still pose a risk of re-identification, using your knowledge of the properties of genomic data. [2]
c
Evaluate one measure that could be implemented to protect genomic privacy while still allowing beneficial research to proceed. [2]
Solutions
33QuestionData Privacy and Risks in Genomic ResearchAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
A multinational biotechnology company sequenced the genomes of an isolated indigenous Amazonian community without obtaining free, prior, and informed consent. Researchers identified a gene variant unique to this population that confers drought resistance in local crop plants. The company patented this gene and plans to develop drought-resistant crops for global sale, sharing no profits with the community. International agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol exist to regulate access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing, yet cases of biopiracy persist globally.
a
Explain the societal consequences for the indigenous community, focusing on cultural autonomy and benefit-sharing. [2]
b
Discuss the potential environmental effects of introducing genetically modified drought-resistant crops into global agriculture. [3]
c
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Nagoya Protocol in protecting vulnerable communities from biopiracy, identifying specific limitations that allow cases such as this to occur. [3]
Solutions
34QuestionDNA Profiling in Forensic ScienceAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A forensic laboratory receives a blood sample from a crime scene. Technicians extract DNA, amplify specific short tandem repeat (STR) regions using PCR, digest the amplified DNA with restriction endonucleases, and separate the resulting fragments by gel electrophoresis. The diagram shows the gel result alongside a reference ladder.
A detective reviews the gel and states: "This profile directly shows the DNA sequence of the suspect."
A detective reviews the gel and states: "This profile directly shows the DNA sequence of the suspect."
a
State whether the detective's claim is correct and identify what the banding pattern actually represents. [1]
b
Explain the purpose of PCR amplification of STR regions and restriction digestion in producing the fragments seen on the gel. [2]
c
Evaluate the detective's claim by analysing how gel electrophoresis produces the final banding pattern and why this cannot reveal nucleotide sequence information. [2]
Solutions
35QuestionFuture Developments in Regenerative MedicineAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
A 3D-printed trachea scaffold was seeded with a patient's own stem cells and surgically implanted. Six months post-implantation, the following data were recorded:
Graft epithelial coverage: 80% (normal range: 95–100%)
Immune response: No detectable rejection
Mechanical flexibility: 60% of native tissue flexibility
Patient symptom report: Breathing improved; mild coughing persists during exercise
Graft epithelial coverage: 80% (normal range: 95–100%)
Immune response: No detectable rejection
Mechanical flexibility: 60% of native tissue flexibility
Patient symptom report: Breathing improved; mild coughing persists during exercise
a
Identify one criterion used to assess success in regenerative medicine procedures and state which data point above provides evidence for it. [1]
b
Analyse how the use of autologous stem cells relates to the immune response data, using the term immunomodulation in your answer. [2]
c
Evaluate whether this procedure can be considered a success, using all four data points and the terms biocompatibility and chondrogenesis in your response. [2]
Solutions
36QuestionPrinciples of 3D BioprintingAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion B
A research team prints square constructs () using a gelatin-based bio-ink containing human fibroblast cells. After 72 hours of culture, cell viability is measured in constructs of varying thickness:
| Number of layers | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell viability (\%) | 92 | 78 | 61 | 45 |
a
Describe the trend in cell viability as the number of printed layers increases, using data from the results. [2]
b
Deduce the expected cell viability for a construct with 25 layers, showing your reasoning. [1]
c
Analyse how increasing the number of printed layers affects the structural conditions within the construct, and explain how this accounts for the observed decrease in cell viability. [2]
Solutions
37QuestionFuture Developments in Regenerative MedicineAssessment Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
In 3D bioprinting for regenerative medicine, three cell types are used as bioinks: Cell X, Cell Y, and Cell Z. The diagram shows their structural features and origins.
Cell X is an undifferentiated cell derived from an embryo.
Cell Y is a striated, branched muscle cell found in the heart.
Cell Z is an adult somatic cell that has been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
Cell X is an undifferentiated cell derived from an embryo.
Cell Y is a striated, branched muscle cell found in the heart.
Cell Z is an adult somatic cell that has been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
a
State the name of each cell type (X, Y, Z). [1]
b
For one cell type of your choice, explain how its biological properties make it suitable for use in 3D tissue printing. [1]
Solutions
38QuestionFuture Developments in Regenerative MedicineAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A wealthy nation has pioneered routine 3D bioprinting of transplant organs using a patient's own (autologous) stem cells. Low-income nations lack the infrastructure and funding to access this technology.
a
Explain why using autologous cells in 3D-printed organs reduces the risk of rejection compared with traditional donor transplants. [2]
b
Analyse how the unequal global availability of 3D bioprinting technology could affect patterns of transplant tourism and widen existing health inequalities. [2]
c
Evaluate the ethical implications of assuming this technology will become universally affordable, considering both societal and environmental impacts. [2]
Solutions
39QuestionChallenges in Organ Printing TechnologyAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
A research team tests three bioink formulations for 3D bioprinting: collagen, alginate, and a collagen–alginate hybrid. Identical tissue constructs are printed and cell viability (percentage of living cells) is measured over 21 days.
| Day | 1 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen viability (%) | 95 | 88 | 72 | 51 | 33 |
| Alginate viability (%) | 92 | 89 | 84 | 76 | 65 |
| Hybrid viability (%) | 96 | 93 | 89 | 84 | 78 |
a
Identify the pattern of viability decline for each formulation over 21 days. [2]
b
Deduce which single formulation is most likely to maintain viability above 80% at Day 28, using the data to support your reasoning. [2]
c
Evaluate the claim that the collagen–alginate hybrid outperforms both single-material formulations because it balances scaffold degradation rate with nutrient diffusion. [2]
Solutions
40QuestionChallenges in Organ Printing TechnologyAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
A research team cultures a 3D-printed liver construct containing a single printed blood vessel channel surrounded by hepatocytes. After 7 days, cell viability is measured at four distances from the channel:
A widely cited hypothesis states that oxygen and nutrient diffusion limits viable tissue thickness to approximately from any blood vessel in bioprinted constructs.
| Distance from vessel channel (mm) | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell viability (%) | 92 | 78 | 45 | 18 |
A widely cited hypothesis states that oxygen and nutrient diffusion limits viable tissue thickness to approximately from any blood vessel in bioprinted constructs.
a
Convert to millimetres and state what this value means in the context of the hypothesis. [1]
b
Analyse the viability data to describe how cell survival changes with increasing distance from the vessel channel. [2]
c
Evaluate whether the data supports the hypothesis, justifying your conclusion with specific reference to the values provided. [3]
Solutions