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Maize is a crop plant that has been genetically modified - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 6
Maize is a crop plant that has been genetically modified. (a) Suggest how maize is genetically modified. (b) The graph shows how the percentage of farmland used t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Maize is a crop plant that has been genetically modified - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Suggest how maize is genetically modified.
Answer
Maize can be genetically modified through techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, where genes from other organisms are inserted into the maize genome. This can involve the use of gene guns or bacterial vectors to introduce new traits, such as pest resistance or increased nutritional value.
Step 2
Calculate the change in the percentage of farmland used to grow GM maize from 2004 to 2008.
Answer
To find the change in percentage from 2004 to 2008, we need to look at the percentage values at these years from the graph. If the percentage in 2004 is approximately 50% and in 2008 approximately 90%, the calculation would be:
ext{Change} = ext{Percentage in 2008} - ext{Percentage in 2004} = 90 ext{ ext{%}} - 50 ext{ ext{%}} = 40 ext{ ext{%}}
Thus, the change in percentage is 40%.
Step 3
Describe the changes in the percentage of farmland used to grow GM maize between 1996 and 2008.
Answer
Between 1996 and 2008, the percentage of farmland used for GM maize exhibited a clear upward trend. Initially, in 1996, the percentage was very low, indicating minimal adoption of GM maize cultivation. However, as years progressed, there was a significant increase, particularly noticeable after 2004, suggesting growing acceptance and reliance on genetically modified maize among farmers. By 2008, the percentage had risen significantly, nearly reaching 90%, indicating widespread adoption.
Step 4
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of GM organisms.
Answer
The use of GM organisms, such as GM maize, offers several advantages:
- Increased Yield: Genetic modifications can enhance crop resistance to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields.
- Reduced Pesticide Use: With built-in pest resistance, the need for chemical pesticides diminishes, benefiting the environment.
- Nutritional Enhancement: GM crops can be engineered to contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals, addressing malnutrition issues.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- Environmental Concerns: The long-term impact of GM crops on ecosystems is not fully understood, and there are fears they may disrupt local biodiversity.
- Health Risks: Some argue that GMOs could pose unknown health risks to consumers.
- Ethical Considerations: The moral implications of altering the genetic makeup of organisms raise ethical debates about food sources and natural processes.