Cambridge IGCSE · Biology 0610

IGCSE Biology: Biotechnology and genetic modification — Practice Questions & Answers

Learn how yeast, enzymes, fermenters and genetic modification are used to make food, medicines and crops for IGCSE Biology.

842 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.

Start an interactive quiz on Biotechnology and genetic modification →

Practice questions with answers

1 Multiple choice · Easy

Which microorganism is used in the making of bread and beer?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyYeast is a fungus used in both baking and brewing because of its fermentation.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

What gas produced by yeast causes bread dough to rise?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyCarbon dioxide released during fermentation forms bubbles that make dough rise.
3 Multiple choice · Easy

During brewing, yeast carries out anaerobic respiration to produce carbon dioxide and which other product?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyAnaerobic respiration in yeast produces ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide.
4 Multiple choice · Easy

Which enzyme is added to biological washing powders to break down protein stains?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyProteases digest protein stains such as blood and food into soluble products.
5 Multiple choice · Easy

The hormone insulin can be produced on a large scale using genetically modified what?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyGenetically modified bacteria are given the human insulin gene to make insulin.
6 Multiple choice · Easy

Which enzyme is used to extract and clarify fruit juices?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyPectinase breaks down pectin in plant cell walls, releasing more juice and making it clearer.
7 Multiple choice · Easy

What term describes changing the genetic material of an organism by inserting a gene from another organism?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyGenetic modification (genetic engineering) transfers genes between organisms.
8 Multiple choice · Easy

A large vessel used to grow microorganisms in controlled conditions is called a what?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyA fermenter provides controlled conditions for growing microorganisms on an industrial scale.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

Why is yeast described as a suitable organism for biotechnology?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyYeast reproduces rapidly, is easy to grow cheaply and produces useful products by fermentation.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

Biological washing powders that contain enzymes are most effective at lower washing temperatures because high temperatures would do what?

Tap an answer to check it.

WhyHigh temperatures denature the enzymes, destroying their active site so they no longer work.

Ready to test yourself?

Practise Biotechnology and genetic modification with instant marking and per-topic score tracking.

Start the Biotechnology and genetic modification quiz →

Key terms in Biotechnology and genetic modification

Biotechnology: The use of living organisms, usually microorganisms, or their parts to make useful products or carry out useful industrial processes.
Genetic modification: Changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes to give it a desired characteristic; also called genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering: Another term for genetic modification: the deliberate altering of an organism's DNA by taking a gene from one organism and inserting it into another.
Why bacteria are useful: Bacteria are valuable in biotechnology and genetic modification because they reproduce rapidly, can be grown easily on simple nutrients, make complex molecules, and contain plasmids that can carry inserted genes.
Rapid reproduction: The fast rate at which bacteria divide, allowing large populations and large amounts of product to be made quickly.
Microorganism: A very small organism, such as a bacterium, yeast or other fungus, that can only be seen with a microscope.
Yeast: A single-celled fungus that can respire anaerobically, converting glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Anaerobic respiration in yeast: The release of energy from glucose by yeast without oxygen, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.

See the full study notes and flashcards for this topic.

Practise other IGCSE Biology topics

Topic 1: Characteristics and classification of living organisms Topic 2: Organisation of the organism Topic 3: Movement into and out of cells Topic 4: Biological molecules Topic 5: Enzymes Topic 6: Plant nutrition Topic 7: Human nutrition Topic 8: Transport in plants Topic 9: Transport in animals Topic 10: Diseases and immunity Topic 11: Gas exchange in humans Topic 12: Respiration Topic 13: Excretion in humans Topic 14: Coordination and response Topic 15: Drugs Topic 16: Reproduction Topic 17: Inheritance Topic 18: Variation and selection Topic 19: Organisms and their environment Topic 20: Human influences on ecosystems