Topic Summaries

Biotechnology

GCSE > Biology > Eduqas > GCSE Biology Topic Summaries > Food supply and biotechnology > Biotechnology
Previous Module
Next Module

Science skills: Measuring results

  • The global human population is increasing rapidly, creating pressure on food supplies, land use, and healthcare. Modern biotechnology offers potential solutions through genetic modification (GM), microorganism culturing, and improved farming techniques.
  • Culturing microorganisms:
    • Used to produce large quantities of protein-rich food efficiently.
    • Microorganisms are cultured in controlled conditions (industrial fermenters).
    • Benefits include fast growth, use of waste materials as feed, and small ecological footprint.
  • Fusarium and mycoprotein:
    • Fusarium is a type of fungus used to produce mycoprotein – a meat substitute high in protein and fibre, low in fat.
    • Grown on a nutrient medium containing glucose syrup as an energy source
    • Aerobic conditions are maintained to support respiration.
    • The fungal biomass is harvested, purified, and processed into food (e.g. Quorn).
  • GM bacteria for human insulin:
    • Initially, purified pig insulin was used, but this was less effective and some people had allergic reactions to it.
    • Now, biotechnology has enabled genes for human insulin to be inserted into bacterial DNA (usually E. coli) which are then cultured in fermenters to produce insulin as they grow. The insulin is harvested, purified, and used to treat diabetes.
  • GM crops:
    • Crops that have had genes inserted to improve yield, resistance to pests/diseases, or nutritional value (e.g. insect-resistant maize, drought-tolerant wheat).
    • This helps increase food production in regions with poor soil or harsh climates.
    • For example, golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A – helps prevent vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
Advantages of GM biotechnology Concerns and considerations
Increased food production without needing more land Safety concerns over potential longterm effects on the environment
Can improve the nutritional content of food (e.g. vitamins, amino acids) and help address malnutrition and starvation May worsen economic disparities in poorer countries (e.g. dependence on biotech companies for seeds)
Can reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers Biodiversity risks (GM crops may reduce variety in agriculture)
Can help address global health issues (e.g. insulin shortages, famines)  Ethical concerns over genetic modification interfering with nature

Unlock Biotechnology

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module