This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Genetic Engineering for GCSE Biology. Genetic modification, gene therapy, and biotechnology applications It is section 9 of 11 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 9 of 11
Practice
25 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Exam Focus
Very Frequently ExaminedGenetic engineering is one of the highest-mark topics in AQA Biology Paper 2. These are the most important areas:
- Process questions (3-5 marks): "Describe how bacteria are genetically engineered to produce human insulin." Use CLIP — Cut (restriction enzyme), Ligase (seals the gene in), Insert (recombinant plasmid into bacteria), Produce (insulin harvested).
- Enzyme roles (2 marks each): Examiners frequently ask separately about restriction enzyme (cuts) and ligase (joins). Be precise — restriction enzyme does not "insert" the gene and ligase does not "cut."
- Evaluate GM crops (6 marks): A classic AO3 question. Present balanced arguments — advantages (yield, reduced pesticide, vitamin enrichment) and disadvantages (gene spread, unknown effects, ethics). Conclude with your own judgement, justified by evidence.
- Sticky ends (Higher, 2 marks): Explain why the same restriction enzyme must be used for both cuts. The answer is complementary sticky ends enabling base pairing and subsequent ligation.