21.2

Biotechnology

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)  · Unit 21: Biotechnology and genetic modification  · 11 flashcards

Biotechnology is topic 21.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 21 — Biotechnology and genetic modification , alongside Biotechnology and genetic modification and Genetic modification.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 11 flashcards — 6 key concepts, 2 process cards and 3 application cards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.

What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says

2026-2028 syllabus, in our words

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).

  1. Describe Describe the part played by anaerobic respiration in yeast when ethanol is made for biofuels.
  2. Describe Describe the part played by anaerobic respiration in yeast when bread is made.
  3. Describe Describe how pectinase is used in producing fruit juice.
  4. Investigate Investigate how biological washing powders containing enzymes are used, and describe this.
  5. Explain Explain how lactase is used in making lactose-free milk. Supplement
  6. Describe Describe how bacteria and fungi in fermenters can be used to make useful products on a large scale, including mycoprotein, insulin and penicillin. Supplement
  7. Describe Describe and explain which conditions in a fermenter need controlling, including pH, temperature, oxygen, waste products and the supply of nutrients. Supplement
Key Concept Flip

What is the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast during ethanol production for biofuels?

Answer Flip

Yeast uses anaerobic respiration to convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process generates energy for the yeast, while the ethanol is then extracted and used as a biofuel, an alternative energy source.

Key Concept Flip

How does anaerobic respiration in yeast contribute to bread-making?

Answer Flip

Yeast carries out anaerobic respiration, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles in the dough, causing it to rise. Baking then solidifies the dough, resulting in the light and airy texture of bread.

Key Concept Flip

What is the role of pectinase in fruit juice production?

Answer Flip

Pectinase is an enzyme that breaks down pectin, a substance that holds plant cell walls together. By breaking down pectin, pectinase clarifies fruit juice, making it clearer and easier to filter.

Key Concept Flip

How do biological washing powders containing enzymes work to remove stains?

Answer Flip

Biological washing powders contain enzymes like proteases (break down proteins), lipases (break down fats), and amylases (break down starches). These enzymes break down complex stain molecules into smaller, water-soluble molecules that can be easily washed away.

Key Concept Flip

How is lactase used to produce lactose-free milk?

Answer Flip

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into glucose and galactose. Adding lactase to milk hydrolyzes the lactose, making the milk suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the purpose of a fermenter in large-scale production.

Answer Flip

A fermenter is a vessel used to grow microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in large quantities under controlled conditions. This allows for the large-scale production of useful products like insulin, penicillin, and mycoprotein.

Key Concept Flip

Why is temperature control important in a fermenter?

Answer Flip

Maintaining optimal temperature is crucial because enzymes in microorganisms are temperature-sensitive. Too high a temperature can denature enzymes, while too low a temperature slows down metabolic processes, both reducing product yield.

Key Concept Flip

Why is pH control important in a fermenter?

Answer Flip

pH affects enzyme activity and microbial growth. Maintaining the optimal pH ensures that enzymes function efficiently and that the microorganisms thrive, leading to maximum production of the desired product. Changes in pH can inhibit growth.

Key Concept Flip

Why is oxygen supply important in a fermenter for producing penicillin?

Answer Flip

Many industrial microorganisms like Penicillium require oxygen for aerobic respiration to produce the desired product. Adequate oxygen supply ensures that the microorganisms have sufficient energy for growth and product synthesis.

Key Concept Flip

Why is nutrient supply important to control within a fermenter?

Answer Flip

Microorganisms need a consistent supply of nutrients like sugars, amino acids, and minerals for growth and product formation. Controlled nutrient supply ensures that the microorganisms have the necessary building blocks and energy for efficient production.

Key Concept Flip

Why is removal of waste products important in a fermenter?

Answer Flip

Waste products, such as carbon dioxide and toxins, can inhibit microbial growth and enzyme activity. Removing these waste products prevents their accumulation, maintaining a healthy environment for the microorganisms and optimizing product yield.

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21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification 21.3 Genetic modification

More topics in Unit 21 — Biotechnology and genetic modification

Biotechnology sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

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How to study this Biotechnology deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.