Free Biotechnology questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Biotechnology. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Biotechnology worksheet →All Biotechnology questionsMicroorganisms are used in biotechnology.
1 Biological washing powders work best at 90 °C.
2 Bacteria are used to make ethanol for biofuels by aerobic respiration.
3 Pectinase increases the volume of juice extracted from fruit.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: D
Which term is described by this statement?
“An enzyme used to increase the yield of fruit juice.”
Answer: D
Penicillin is produced in large fermenters.
State two conditions that are controlled in a fermenter.
Explain why the fermenter has a water jacket.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | temperature; pH; oxygen; nutrients Any 2 of: temperature; pH; oxygen supply; nutrient supply B2 | 2 |
| (b) | removes heat from respiration respiration of the microorganisms releases heat B1 the cooling water keeps the temperature at the optimum B1 | 2 |
Bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification.
Give two reasons why bacteria are useful for biotechnology.
Describe how pectinase is used to make fruit juice.
Explain why biological washing powders work at low temperatures.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | reproduce rapidly; make complex molecules; plasmids Any 2 of: reproduce rapidly; can make complex molecules; contain plasmids; few ethical concerns B2 | 2 |
| (b) | breaks down pectin in cell walls, more juice pectinase breaks down pectin in plant cell walls B1 more juice is released and it is clearer B1 | 2 |
| (c) | enzymes digest stains at low temperature enzymes (proteases/lipases) digest stains B1 they work at low temperatures, saving energy B1 | 2 |
Lactase is used to make lactose-free milk.
Explain why some people need lactose-free milk.
Describe how lactase is used.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | cannot digest lactose they are lactose intolerant (do not produce lactase) B1 | 1 |
| (b) | breaks lactose into glucose and galactose lactase breaks down lactose B1 into glucose and galactose B1 | 2 |
This question is about the use of microorganisms in biotechnology.
Explain why yeast is used in bread-making.
Explain how yeast is used to produce biofuel from plant material.
Penicillin is made in a fermenter. Describe how conditions in the fermenter are controlled.
Explain why it is important to keep a fermenter sterile when producing penicillin.
Lactase is used to make lactose-free milk. Explain why this is useful.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | anaerobic respiration releases CO₂; bubbles make dough rise yeast respires anaerobically B1 carbon dioxide gas makes the dough rise B1 | 2 |
| (b) | plant sugars fermented by yeast; anaerobic respiration produces ethanol; ethanol separated and used as fuel plant material (e.g. sugar cane) provides sugar B1 yeast ferments the sugar anaerobically to ethanol B1 the ethanol is distilled and used as a fuel B1 | 3 |
| (c) | water jacket for temperature; pH probe and acid/alkali; air for oxygen; sterile, stirrers Any 4 of: water jacket keeps temperature constant; pH monitored and adjusted; sterile air supplies oxygen; paddles stir to mix nutrients and oxygen; sterile conditions to prevent contamination B4 | 4 |
| (d) | other microbes would compete for nutrients / contaminate product contaminating microorganisms would compete with the fungus for nutrients B1 and could contaminate the product / reduce yield B1 | 2 |
| (e) | breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose; people who are lactose intolerant can drink it lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose B1 so people who are lactose intolerant can drink it without symptoms B1 | 2 |
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Meet Riyaz →Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in