An engineer wants all cells of a new plant to contain an introduced gene. Another proposal would insert the gene into just a few cells of a fully grown leaf.
.1
Explain why introducing the gene at an early developmental stage is more suitable for the first aim.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain a limitation of inserting the gene only into a mature leaf.
[2 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A patient with influenza asks for antibiotics and takes a painkiller to reduce fever.
.1
Explain why antibiotics do not cure influenza and why the painkiller may still help.
[2 marks]
.2
Explain why developing drugs against viruses can be difficult.
[2 marks]
5 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A nursery produces 240 clones from one disease-resistant plant using meristem tissue. All are planted in one field.
.1
Explain how meristem cells produce complete plants.
[2 marks]
.2
Evaluate planting only these clones in one field.
[3 marks]
4 marksFoundation and Higher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
Two neurones meet at a synapse. An electrical impulse reaches the end of the first neurone.
.1
Describe how information passes to the second neurone.
[3 marks]
.2
A substance stops release of the chemical. Predict the effect on transmission at this synapse and explain your answer.
[1 mark]
4 marksHigher
Spec and skills
Original practice question
Answer and supported method checks
A breeder repeatedly selects the largest tomatoes from closely related plants. Average fruit size rises, but a disease damages almost all plants in the new line.
.1
Explain how the breeder increased fruit size.
[2 marks]
.2
Suggest why the new line may be unusually vulnerable to one disease.
