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O Level Combined Science 5129 · Topic 11

Biotechnology and genetic modification: past paper questions

16 real questionsasked in 3 of the last 10 exam series2020–2025usually: State, Suggest, Draw, Name

Real questions on biotechnology and genetic modification

The newest 7 of 7 written questions, plus 9 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.

  1. 5129/32 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[2]

    State the name of the test for glucose, and describe what the student observes for a positive result. name of the test for glucose observation for a positive result

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  2. 5129/32 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(ii)[2]

    State the name of the test for starch, and describe what the student observes for a negative result. name of test for starch observation for a negative result

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  3. 5129/21 · October/November 2023 · Q14b[2]

    Suggest two reasons why scientists insert the human insulin gene into the DNA of bacteria. reason reason

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  4. 5129/22 · October/November 2023 · Q8[3]

    Draw lines from the box on the left to three boxes on the right to make three correct statements about the use of bacteria in biotechnology. … there are no ethical concerns about using them. … they are not affected by temperature. … they are resistant to herbicides. Bacteria are often used in biotechnology because … …...

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  5. 5129/21 · October/November 2021 · Q10c[1]

    Nitrogen and oxygen react together in a car engine to produce oxides of nitrogen. State one adverse effect that oxides of nitrogen have on the environment.

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  6. 5129/21 · October/November 2020 · Q8a[1]

    Name the energy source shown in Fig. 8.1.

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  7. 5129/21 · October/November 2020 · Q8b[3]

    Put one tick in each column to complete the sentences about how energy is transferred when generating this power. energy is transferred from rock to water as… energy is transferred from steam to turbine as… energy is transferred from generator to power grid as… … chemical energy … electrical energy … kinetic energy … t...

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What examiners said

Very few candidates were aware of the role of bacteria in biotechnology. Some candidates recalled that insulin is needed by some people to control diabetes. Candidates should recall that by modifying the DNA of bacteria with the human insulin gene, then a lot of insulin can be produced to treat people.

— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/21 Q14(b) (Cambridge)

In this question candidates drew lines between boxes to make correct statement about the use of bacteria in biotechnology. Most candidates recognised that bacteria reproduce quickly and they can make complex chemicals. They should also appreciate that there are no ethical concerns about using them.

— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/22 Q8 (Cambridge)

There is a misconception amongst a large proportion of the candidates that oxides of nitrogen cause global warming or cause depletion of the ozone layer.

— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 5129/21 Q10(c) (Cambridge)

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Biotechnology and genetic modification — O Level Combined Science 5129 past paper questions | AssessPro