Explain agricultural genetic-engineering examples
Use GM salmon, herbicide-resistant soybean and insect-resistant cotton to explain possible benefits.
Section 19.3 · Genetically modified organisms in agriculture
A Level; Cambridge International Biology 9700, 2028–2030. This is curriculum teaching, not medical advice or a claim that a treatment is suitable for an individual. Written responses are self-checked
Before you begin
- DNA stores genetic information; genes can be expressed to produce RNA and protein.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which crop example has insect resistance?
What you will learn
- Explain how genetic engineering may improve food quality or productivity
- Use the three named examples accurately
Build the explanation
Genetic engineering may help address food demand by improving productivity or quality. The syllabus examples are GM salmon with altered growth characteristics, herbicide-resistant soybean that can tolerate a specified herbicide, and insect-resistant cotton that expresses a trait reducing damage by specified insect pests. Each changes a particular characteristic.
Use the evidence carefully
A crop or animal’s outcome depends on the engineered trait, farming practice and environment. Benefits such as yield or easier weed control should be weighed against resistance evolution, gene flow, ecological effects and social or economic consequences.
Pause and explain
How might herbicide-resistant soybean contribute to production while requiring careful management?
Worked example
A soybean variety tolerates a selected herbicide, allowing weeds to be controlled with that product. Which example is this?
Show the worked solution
- The crop is soybean.
- The engineered trait is herbicide resistance.
Answer Herbicide-resistant soybean.
Try a topic test
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Which example is associated with altered growth characteristics in an animal?
Give me a hint
Identify the relevant material or technology and explain each step.
Compare my reasoning
- The animal is salmon.
- The example is GM salmon.
GM salmon, the engineered animal example with altered growth characteristics.
Look for these in your work
- Method identified
- Steps linked to function
A cotton variety expresses a trait affecting insect pests. Identify the named example.
Give me a hint
Use the stated example to justify a conclusion.
Compare my reasoning
- The crop is cotton.
- The trait is insect resistance.
Insect-resistant cotton, which expresses a trait that affects insect pests.
Look for these in your work
- Evidence interpreted
- Limits stated
How might herbicide-resistant soybean contribute to production while requiring careful management?
Give me a hint
Apply the idea to a new application or trade-off.
Compare my reasoning
- It may enable weed control.
- Repeated use can select herbicide-resistant weeds.
It can make weed control more effective with a compatible herbicide, but repeated selection may favour resistant weeds and should be managed carefully.
Look for these in your work
- Application explained
- Claim appropriately bounded
Common mistakes
- Confusing insect resistance with herbicide resistance
- Claiming every GM crop increases yield in every setting
What can you explain now?
Which crop example has insect resistance?
Compare with the explanation
Cotton
The syllabus also names herbicide-resistant soybean and GM salmon.
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Make it stick
Match salmon, soybean and cotton to the traits in the syllabus.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.