5(c) Genetic modification (genetic engineering)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology · 4BI1
Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold B statements
Moving a gene from one organism into another, and the enzymes and vectors that make it possible.
Specification coverage
Topic 5 Use of biological resources (c) Genetic modification (genetic engineering) — statements 5.13–5.17B (includes bold B statements assessed on Paper 2 only)
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2. Suggested learning time: 70 minutes.
Required knowledge
- The use of restriction enzymes and ligase
- The use of plasmids and vectors to transfer genes into bacteria
- The production of human insulin by genetically modified bacteria
- Genetically modified crops and the arguments for and against them
- Bold B statements: the process of genetic modification in greater depth
Required skills
- Sequence the steps of genetic modification correctly
- Evaluate genetic modification on scientific, economic and ethical grounds
How it is examined
- Multiple-choice and short-answer recall
- Application of the content to an unfamiliar context
- Extended open-response, marked on the quality of a connected explanation
Common mistakes
- Muddling restriction enzymes (which cut) with ligase (which joins).
- Giving an opinion in an evaluation question without evidence on both sides.