A-LevelBiologyGenetic technology9700/42 · Feb/Mar 2019 · Q512 Marks

[Figure 5.1] shows the area of land that was used to grow genetically modified (GM) crops in the USA, Brazil, India and China from 2004 to 2015.

(a)(i)Suggest reasons why the area of land used to grow GM crops in the USA is greater than the area of land used to grow GM crops in Brazil.[2]
(a)(ii)Describe the differences in the area of land that was used to grow GM crops in China and the area of land that was used to grow GM crops in India, over the time shown in [Figure 5.1].[3]
(b)(i)Genetic modifications in crops can provide resistance to insect pests. Bt maize is one type of GM crop that has been produced to be resistant to insect pests. State two benefits to farmers of insect resistance in crops.[2]
(b)(ii)Describe the difference between Bt maize and non-GM maize that explains why Bt maize is resistant to insects.[2]
(c)(i)State two reasons why people may have objections to the growth of insect-resistant GM crops.[2]
(c)(ii)In 2015, the percentage of the USA population that objected to the use of GM crops was lower than in 2005. Suggest why a smaller percentage of the USA population objected to the use of GM crops in 2015.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[2] in USA unless otherwise stated any two from: 1 can afford GM crops ; 2 (technology) developed in USA ; 3 more land available (to grow crops); 4 fewer laws restricting GM crops / more widespread (public) approval ; 5 climate conditions more suitable for GM crops ;
[3] any three from: 1 initially / in 2004–2006, India uses smaller area (than China) / ora; 2 area in China remains (almost) constant ; 3 area in India increases (throughout); 4 area in India is greater (than China) after 2006 ; 5 comparative figures (one area from India and one from China for two different years plus units) ;
[2] any two from: 1 increase yield ; 2 increase quality; 3 less/no, pesticide / insecticide, needs to be used; 4 (so) less/no, money spent on, pesticides / insecticides; A cheaper
[2] 1 contains gene from, Bacillus thuringiensis / bacterium ; 2 produces, (Bt) toxin / compound, harmful to insects ;
[2] any two from: 1 resistance (to insects) may be transferred to wild plants ; 2 contamination of food marketed as organic; 3 may kill, useful insects / pollinators ; 4 decrease in biodiversity; 5 potential health risks of humans (eating GM crops); 6 insects may become resistant (to toxin) ;
[1] any one from: 1 education / awareness; 2 reasons for objections have not been proven ; 3 consumption of GM foods shows no ill effects; 4 entire generation grown up in GM era ;

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