Ethics of biotechnologyIB MYP Biology: Subtopic test

1. 1
   Golden rice is a variety of rice that has been genetically modified with genes from maize and a bacterium so that its grains make beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. It was developed to help children in countries where rice is the main food and a lack of vitamin A causes blindness and weakens the immune system. Some environmental groups have opposed growing it.

   (a)

   What is genetic modification?

   [1 mark]

   • AChoosing the best plants to breed over many generations
   • BGrowing identical plants from cuttings
   • CTransferring a gene from one organism into another so that it shows a new characteristic
   • DMaking a plant grow in a laboratory using jelly

   (b)

   Which is a risk that some people suggest about growing GM crops?

   [1 mark]

   • AThey always give a lower yield than normal crops
   • BThey cannot be eaten by humans
   • CThey always need more water
   • DGenes could spread to wild relatives by cross-pollination

   (c)

   Explain why growing golden rice could improve the health of children in some countries.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   Stem cells can be taken from early embryos left over from IVF treatment at a fertility clinic in Seoul. Stem cells can divide and differentiate into many types of cell, and researchers hope to use them to replace the damaged nerve cells of patients with spinal injuries. Taking the stem cells from an embryo destroys the embryo.

   (a)

   What is a stem cell?

   [1 mark]

   • AAn unspecialised cell that can divide and develop into different types of cell
   • BA specialised cell that carries messages in nerves
   • CA cell that only makes gametes
   • DA cell that has no nucleus

   (b)

   Which is a common ethical objection to using embryonic stem cells?

   [1 mark]

   • AStem cells cannot divide
   • BAn embryo is a potential human life, so destroying it is wrong
   • CStem cells are too small to see
   • DIt costs less than other treatments

   (c)

   Suggest two reasons why some people support using the leftover IVF embryos to obtain stem cells.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A national survey asked 1000 adults whether parents should be allowed to have embryos screened for genetic characteristics before IVF treatment. 72% agreed with screening for a serious inherited disease that causes early death, 31% agreed with screening to choose eye colour, and 15% agreed with screening to choose a baby's expected intelligence. The adults were chosen at random from all regions and age groups of the country.

   (a)

   Describe the pattern in the survey results and suggest a reason for it.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   Evaluate how far the results of this survey can be used to decide the law on embryo screening.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A science advisory panel can fund only one of two proposals. Proposal 1 is drought-resistant GM wheat for farmers in a region with frequent droughts and food shortages, and field trials so far have shown no harm to health. Proposal 2 is a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, an inherited lung disorder. Gene therapy trials have helped some patients but the effect wears off, and the treatment would be very expensive for each patient.

   (a)

   Evaluate Proposal 1, drought-resistant GM wheat, using the information given.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   Discuss which of the two proposals the panel should fund, and justify your decision.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions