Download 90718-exm-04

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BIOLOGY 3.6
Level Three 2005
Describe applications of biotechnological techniques
( AS 90718)
Credits: Three
You should answer ALL the questions in this booklet.
NAME
TEACHER
Achievement Criteria
Achievement
Describe applications of
biotechnological
techniques to meet
human needs and
requirements.
For Assessor’s use only
Achievement
Achievement
with Merit
with Excellence
Explain applications of
biotechnological techniques
to meet human needs and
requirements.
Discuss applications of
biotechnological
techniques to meet
human needs and
requirements.
Overall Level of Performance
2
You are advised to spend 50 minutes answering the questions in this booklet.
QUESTION ONE: Growth hormone
Growth hormone is a hormone secreted by a part of the brain called the pituitary gland.
Growth hormone stimulates the growth of bones and other tissues in humans under the
age of 18-20. Children with a deficiency of growth hormone have greatly reduced
growth, resulting in a condition called dwarfism.
Because humans only respond to growth hormone from other primates, this condition
was previously treated using an extract from the pituitary glands of corpses.
Following the development of technologies using recombinant DNA, human growth
hormone has been produced in genetically engineered bacteria.
(a)
Describe the term recombinant DNA.
(b)
Name two enzymes that are commonly used in the process of making
recombinant DNA.
(c)
Describe the process of making recombinant DNA.
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(d)
Explain why bacteria are often used to make recombinant proteins.
(e)
Discuss the benefits and problems associated with making recombinant human
growth hormone compared to previous methods of extracting this protein.
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QUESTION TWO: Genome analysis of the Adelie penguin
For the past few years, scientists at the Allan Wilson
Center in Massey University have been extracting
DNA from Adelie penguin samples obtained in
Antarctica. These DNA samples are amplified and
then sequenced before analysis.
The objectives are to:
•
•
Determine the mutations in a variable region on
the mitochondrial DNA.
Establish the rate of mutation and thus, the rate
of evolution of the Adelie penguins
(a)
Name an application of a biotechnological
technique that may be needed to amplify the
DNA samples.
(b)
Describe this technique in at least 5 steps.
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Before the DNA samples are sequenced, a gel needs to be run to ensure the correct
fragment of DNA was amplified.
(c)
Describe the process of gel electrophoresis and explain how it is a useful tool
in this instance.
The partial sequence of a penguin gene is shown below.
(d)
Describe how such a sequence is produced.
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(e)
Sequenced data can be used in many analyses. Discuss applications in the field
of biotechnology that use this technique of DNA sequencing.
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QUESTION THREE: Transgenics in agriculture – the grass is becoming greener
Australia’s pasture-based industries create more than $12 billion per year through dairy,
wool and meat products. A group of young Melbourne scientists is taking the high-tech
route to making more productive pastures and tougher sports ground turf.
Lignin is a tough, waterproofing, glue-like substance present in plant cells walls. It
retains water and also holds the plant upright. The amount of lignin impacts on the
sturdiness of turf but too much can reduce the nutritional value of diary pastures.
Gene technology can be used to enhance or reduce lignin in cells and make genetically
modified plants that are transgenic.
(a)
(b)
Describe what is meant by the term transgenic.
Describe how the scientists could isolate the gene for production of lignin (i.e.
work out which gene is responsible for the production of lignin).
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Scientists are using gene gun technology to insert the gene of interest into the plant
cells before they are grown by tissue culture.
(c)
(d)
Explain the process of tissue culture.
Discuss the benefits and risks associated with producing transgenic plants such
as lignin-modified grass.
Assessors
use only
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Additional lines to use if needed. Clearly indicate the question being answered.
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