plumiMicroorganisms in biotechnology: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions
OCR A-Level Biology A past-paper questions on 6.2.1.3 Microorganisms in biotechnology, 2016–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.
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All 11 questions on Microorganisms in biotechnology, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q3 (1 mark): What is a disadvantage of using microorganisms to make food for human consumption? A Competition from contaminating microorganisms can reduce yield. B Food prod
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q11 (1 mark): Microorganisms can be used to produce food. Which option is not seen as an advantage of using microorganisms to produce food compared to traditional food produc
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q1(c) (2 marks): E. coli can be genetically modified to produce useful proteins. State two other reasons why E. coli is a suitable microorganism to use in biotechnology. 1 2 [2]
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q21(a) (2 marks): Microorganisms have simple nutrient requirements, which helps to reduce production costs. List two other advantages of using microorganisms in food production.
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): The bacteria convert the lactose present in milk into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an important contributor to the flavour of yoghurt. Lactic acid also helps to
- November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(e) (3 marks): The passage below describes some uses of microorganisms in biotechnology. Complete the passage by writing the most appropriate words in the blank spaces. Microo
- June 2019, Paper 3, Q6(a)(i) (6 marks): (i)* Using examples, describe and explain some other advantages of using microorganisms to produce food for human consumption. [6] Additional answer space if re
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q13 (1 mark): Bacteria are used in many areas of biotechnology. In which of the following processes, A to D, do bacteria not play an active role? A bioinformatics B bioremedi
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): Mycoprotein is a food produced using the fungus Fusarium venenatum. Which statement about mycoprotein is correct? A production of protein is slower than in anim
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q22(b)(i) (3 marks): The rate of hydrocarbon breakdown by bacteria can be increased by spraying the oil with detergent. Detergents break up oil into droplets, thereby increasing the
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q22(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one piece of evidence that would further support student B’s conclusion. [1]
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