Biology Matters G.C.E.

'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 20

Chapter 20 Molecular Genetics

Test Yourself 20.1 (page 389)

1. A chromosome is made up of a DNA molecule and proteins. The DNA carries genes that
are responsible for certain characteristics in the organism.

2. DNA consists of two parallel strands that are twisted around each other in the form of a
double spiral.

3. 10%

Test Yourself 20.2 (page 392)

ATGAAACCTGGCTTT

Test Yourself 20.3 (page 397)

The treatment of genetic disease by transferring healthy genes from a person into the cells of
a person with defective genes is called gene therapy.

Test Yourself 20.4 (page 399)

Refer to ‘Social and ethical issues on genetic engineering’ in Section 20.4.

Get It Right (page 400)

(a) False
Each nucleotide contains a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous
base.
(b) False
Complementary bases from the two DNA strands are joined together by hydrogen
bonds.
(c) True
(d) False
Three DNA bases (one codon) codes for one amino acid.
(e) False
The vector used in producing genetically engineered human insulin gene is a
plasmid.

Let’s Review (page 401)

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

1. C
* 2. B

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 Biology Matters G.C.E. 'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 20

Section B: Structured Questions

* 1. (a) AAGUCGGGAGUA
(b) Transcription in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm

2. (a) Yes. By applying the rule of base pairing

(b) 18.2%

Section C: Free-Response Questions

1. – DNA consists of two anti-parallel strands;

– Each DNA strand is made up of nucleotides;
– Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogen-
containing base.
– The base may be an Adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) or cytosine (C);
– The bases of one strand are joined to the bases of the opposite strand by hydrogen
bonds.
– The base A is bonded to T while C is bonded to G;
– The DNA two strands are twisted into a double helix.

2. Genes store information as a sequence of nucleotides, which codes for the sequence of
amino acids that make up a particular polypeptide.

3. (a) Refer to Figure 20.9.

(b) The advantages of using genetically engineered bacteria for the production of
human insulin are:
– It does not induce allergic response in the patient as the insulin produced is
identical to human insulin.
– It is easier and cheaper to produce insulin in large quantities.
– There is less risk of contamination by disease-causing microorganisms like
bacteria.
– There are no ethical issues.

4. (a)
Selective breeding Genetic engineering
Plants and animals used for breeding Genes from any plant or animal can be
must be closely related or belong to the inserted into non-related species or
same species. different species.
Defective genes may be transmitted Genes are carefully selected before
along with the healthy genes to the transfer into an organism. This reduces
offspring. the risk of genetic defects being passed
on to the offspring.
Selective breeding is a slow process. It Genetic engineering uses individual cell
involves breeding over several which reproduce rapidly in the laboratory
generations. Selective breeding requires in a small container.
large amounts of land.
Less efficient. For example, organisms More efficient. For example, transgenic
grow more slowly and may require more salmon grow faster and require less
food. food than ordinary salmon.
(b) – Genetic engineering may lead to class distinctions. Only individuals with
sufficient financial means can afford certain expensive gene technologies.
(b) – Some religions do not approve of genetic engineering, as it may not be
appropriate to alter the natural genetic make-up of organisms.

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