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02107020/CAPE/KMS 2017
BIOLOGY
UNIT 1 – PAPER 02
KEY AND MARK SCHEME
Question 5.

(a) 1. DNA carries genetic code (blueprint/template/guide to the structure of the

proteins being produced) for protein synthesis (one strand acts as
blueprint/coding)/control expression of characteristics by coding for
particular protein

2. RNA (mRNA) acts as a messenger (TRANSCRIPTION) – carries genetic information

copied from DNA in the form of three–base code words (codes for specific amino
acid)

• In nucleus, DNA molecule will unwind and unzip to expose bases (helicase
splits DNA into two stands)

• RNA nucleotides pair up with exposed bases of one of the DNA strands (pair
up with their complementary ones)

• RNA nucleotides (3 base code), their sugar-phosphate groups are bonded

together to form a sugar-phosphate backbone

 mRNA leaves nucleus, through the nuclear pore, goes into the cytoplasm.
 mRNA takes information to ribosome (mRNA attaches onto the small subunit
of the ribosome - 3 codons will be exposed on the ribosome)

3. RNA (tRNA) - acts to decipher code on mRNA (TRANSLATION)

 Each type of amino acid has its own tRNA - binds with the complementary
codon and carries it to growing end of polypeptide chain (protein being
synthesized)

4. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) (ELONGATION) associates with a set of proteins to form

ribosomes (composed of small & large sub-units which contain own rRNA)

 Complex structures - physically move along an mRNA molecule

 Catalyze the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide (protein) chains.
 Also bind tRNAs and various accessory molecules necessary for protein
synthesis.

Each role described (highlighted phrases) – 1 mark

For any one role - link to protein synthesis mentioned – 1 mark

Accept explanation of roles if role not clearly stated (see sub-points for
roles of RNA)
[5 marks]

(b) (i) Principle

 Using technology to change the genetic material of an organism/ taking

genes from one organism and placing it into another/ altering genes in a
living organism to produce a new genotype(GMO)/ (also known as
recombinant DNA technology)
 various kinds of genetic modification:

 inserting a foreign gene from one species into another (forming a

transgenic organism)
 altering an existing gene so that its product is changed
 changing gene expression so that it is translated more often or not
at all.

Principle explained to include one type of modification - 2 marks

Incomplete - 1 mark
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02107020/CAPE/KMS 2017
BIOLOGY
UNIT 1 – PAPER 02
KEY AND MARK SCHEME
Question 5.cont’d

Steps:

1. Identify gene/Isolate gene (piece of DNA)/removal of a gene

2. Joining of selected gene (DNA) with a vector (plasmid - construction of
recombinant DNA)
3. Introduction of vector into a suitable host cell (bacteria)
4. Replication of cells (cloning)
5. Selection of transformed host cells/cells with desired ‘recombinant’ DNA
6. Multiplication or expression of gene(product) of interest

5-6 steps = 3 marks; 3-4 steps = 2 marks; 1-2 steps = 1 mark

Accept implied descriptions of steps.
(ii)

1. Safety - a few attempts at gene therapy for CF in clinical trials have

had negative impacts – e.g. falling ill /inflammation of lungs/infection
by virus used as vector/potentially fatal (death seen in a few cases of CF
treatment)
2. Only recessive conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can be treated
3. Will only work if normal gene delivered to a large number of cells –
tissue (cystic fibrosis - very few cells take up the vector - trapping
in the mucus and clearance by cilia is the main factor reducing
efficiency)
4. Gene taken up may not be expressed so the treatment has little effect(seen
in some trials for cystic fibrosis)
5. Duration of gene expression may be short (cystic fibrosis - cells in
respiratory tract – short-lived) – will need frequent treatments
6. Problems have been noted in cdna recombination - such that the gene
introduced by the treatment is rendered unusable (cystic fibrosis)
7. The vectors may deliver DNA to cells other than the target cells
(inefficient), with unforeseen results
8. Adding new genes to a nucleus does not guarantee they will go where
desired/possible that introduced gene may ‘stitch’ itself into an
inappropriate location, disrupting another gene
9. Introduced gene and vectors – trigger immune response
10. Viruses as vectors may not be as innocuous as assumed and may cause
disease
11. Changing reproductive cells may cause events not seen until years later,
and undesirable effects may have already been passed on to the patient’s
children
12. Re-combined gene could revert to original condition/mutate

Each of two points discussed - 2 marks

Only stated - 1 mark
Reference to cystic fibrosis (accept correct description of CF) – 1 mark
[5 marks]