A genetically engineered crop produces a protein harmful to one insect pest. Small field trials report less insect damage, but did not measure other insect populations.
.1
Explain how genetic engineering can produce the new crop characteristic.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate whether the trial establishes that large-scale use has no ecological disadvantages.
[3 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
After rainfall, water enters soil and is taken up by trees. On a sunny day the air above the woodland contains more water vapour.
.1
Explain how water moves from the soil to the atmosphere through the trees.
[2 marks]
.2
Describe two later processes that return this water to land as part of the cycle.
[2 marks]
6 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A clinic considers transferring two embryos instead of one. Two-embryo transfer may increase pregnancy probability per transfer, but also increases the chance of multiple pregnancy.
Evaluate the use of two-embryo transfer. Include scientific, practical and ethical considerations.
[6 marks]
6 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A council can build homes on unused industrial land or on a meadow. The industrial site costs more to clean, while the meadow contains many wildflower and insect species.
Evaluate the two sites in terms of human needs and biodiversity.
[6 marks]
5 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Four plants all have genotype RR at one tested gene, but their final heights are 14, 19, 24 and 27 cm. The plants grew with different supplies of water. A student claims that these results show height cannot be inherited.
.1
Explain why the student’s conclusion is not justified.
[3 marks]
.2
Suggest how to test the effect of water while reducing genetic differences between plants.
