Some diseases, and certain cancers, are thought to be caused by a lack of specific neurotransmitters. This means they can be treated using drugs which increase the concentration of these neurotransmitters. Some of these drugs are manufactured using genetically modified (GM) organisms. *(c) Maize is a major food crop. The photograph shows a maize cob with rows of grains. (Source: © art nick/Shutterstock) Maize can be infected by a fungus. This fungus produces a toxin that affects plant growth and is poisonous to animals. This fungus can be genetically modified (GM). In an investigation, maize plants were infected with normal fungus or infected with GM fungus. The table shows the mean and standard deviation for growth measurements of the maize and the concentration of toxin. A computer model was used to predict the effect of global warming on the percentage of maize crop infected with this fungus. The results are shown in the table. Assess the risks and benefits of genetically modifying the fungus for future food production in a globally warming world. Use the information given in the tables together with your own knowledge to support your answer. (6) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Exam No：WBI1501-que-20241024 Year：2024 Question No：7(c)
Answer:
Discussion of Data:
- plant \{height / growth\} increased with GM fungus / accept converse
- \{number of grains per cob / yield\} increased with GM fungus / accept converse
- concentration of toxin decreased with GM fungus/ accept converse
- in concentration of toxin SD do not overlap so difference is significant / \{with number of cobs / plant height\} SD do overlap so difference is not significant
- as temp increases from current results in \% of infection increased / shows positive correlation
- a \(2^{\circ}\) (increase in temperature) give a ( \(92 \% / 35 \%\) ) increase in predicted maize infection
- a \(5^{\circ}\) (increase in temperature) give \(\{a(150 \% / 57 \%)\) increase in predicted maize infection \(/\) highest \(\%\}\)
- the production of toxins by fungi is a natural defense mechanism, typically triggered under stressful conditions such as (drought / increased temperature)
Benefits of GM fungus
- GM fungus introduced to plants to outcompete normal fungus / reduced growth of normal fungus
- (so crops will have) \{greater height / number of cobs / reduced conc of toxin\}/ higher yield LINKED to genera comment eg better food/ gm maize has higher nutritional value / more food (for people) to eat / more efficient use of land etc / Increased food security / more home-grown food / reducing imports/reducing carbon footprint /reducing food miles/Reduces malnutrition / reduces famine /
- reduce deforestation to clear land for more crops
- (so) increased farmer income / less need for \{pesticides / insecticides\} / processing costs
- fewer \{humans / animals\} \{poisoned / die\} by toxin in infected maize / reduced health risks (as concentration of toxin in maize reduce) / lower toxin makes food safer to eat
Risks
- Reduced biodiversity / monoculture produced
- Gene/allele / toxin \{enters / accumulates) food chains / Disrupts food chains
- Fungus might crossbreed(?!) with other fungi and have unknown effects / gene transfer to other \{species / food crop / fungus\} / production of superweeds / superpests
- GM can be seen as unethical / unnatural
- Companies who own genetic modification tech could seek to profit further and limit the use of the tech that would otherwise prevent famine / financial cost to farmers / producing GM fungus is expensive / higher costs to consumers
- The health risks posed by mycotoxins are significant / Unknown \{health risks / effects\} of \{humans / animals / off eating crops grown with GM fungus / more toxin (in increased temperature) may lead to more death.
- plant \{height / growth\} increased with GM fungus / accept converse
- \{number of grains per cob / yield\} increased with GM fungus / accept converse
- concentration of toxin decreased with GM fungus/ accept converse
- in concentration of toxin SD do not overlap so difference is significant / \{with number of cobs / plant height\} SD do overlap so difference is not significant
- as temp increases from current results in \% of infection increased / shows positive correlation
- a \(2^{\circ}\) (increase in temperature) give a ( \(92 \% / 35 \%\) ) increase in predicted maize infection
- a \(5^{\circ}\) (increase in temperature) give \(\{a(150 \% / 57 \%)\) increase in predicted maize infection \(/\) highest \(\%\}\)
- the production of toxins by fungi is a natural defense mechanism, typically triggered under stressful conditions such as (drought / increased temperature)
Benefits of GM fungus
- GM fungus introduced to plants to outcompete normal fungus / reduced growth of normal fungus
- (so crops will have) \{greater height / number of cobs / reduced conc of toxin\}/ higher yield LINKED to genera comment eg better food/ gm maize has higher nutritional value / more food (for people) to eat / more efficient use of land etc / Increased food security / more home-grown food / reducing imports/reducing carbon footprint /reducing food miles/Reduces malnutrition / reduces famine /
- reduce deforestation to clear land for more crops
- (so) increased farmer income / less need for \{pesticides / insecticides\} / processing costs
- fewer \{humans / animals\} \{poisoned / die\} by toxin in infected maize / reduced health risks (as concentration of toxin in maize reduce) / lower toxin makes food safer to eat
Risks
- Reduced biodiversity / monoculture produced
- Gene/allele / toxin \{enters / accumulates) food chains / Disrupts food chains
- Fungus might crossbreed(?!) with other fungi and have unknown effects / gene transfer to other \{species / food crop / fungus\} / production of superweeds / superpests
- GM can be seen as unethical / unnatural
- Companies who own genetic modification tech could seek to profit further and limit the use of the tech that would otherwise prevent famine / financial cost to farmers / producing GM fungus is expensive / higher costs to consumers
- The health risks posed by mycotoxins are significant / Unknown \{health risks / effects\} of \{humans / animals / off eating crops grown with GM fungus / more toxin (in increased temperature) may lead to more death.
Knowledge points:
CH8 – Coordination, Response and Gene Technology
Solution:
Download APP for more features
1. Tons of answers.
2. Smarter Al tools enhance your learning journey.
IOS
Download
Download
Android
Download
Download
Google Play
Download
Download