Questions and Answers

Describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast during the production of ethanol for biofuels

Discuss why bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification, limited to: (a) few ethical concerns over their manipulation and growth (b) the presence of plasmids

State that bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification due to their rapid reproduction rate and their ability to make complex molecules

Explain the risks to a species if its population size decreases, reducing genetic variation (knowledge of genetic drift is not required)

Describe the use of artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in captive breeding programmes

Describe the reasons for conservation programmes, limited to: (a) maintaining or increasing biodiversity (b) reducing extinction (c) protecting vulnerable ecosystems (d) maintaining ecosystem functions, limited to nutrient cycling and resource provision, including food, drugs, fuel and genes

Describe how endangered species can be conserved, limited to: (a) monitoring and protecting species and habitats (b) education (c) captive breeding programmes (d) seed banks

Explain why organisms become endangered or extinct, including: climate change, habitat destruction, hunting, overharvesting, pollution and introduced species

State that some resources can be conserved and managed sustainably, limited to forests and fish stocks

Describe a sustainable resource as one which is produced as rapidly as it is removed from the environment so that it does not run out