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Date May 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17M.3.SL.TZ1.9
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Describe Question number 9 Adapted from N/A

Question

Usually the size of particles used in biolistics with plant cells is 1000 nm. Researchers tested the effect of using smaller sized particles (40 nm) in the biolistic treatment of animal cells.

The degree of transfection by DNA and the damage to embryonic kidney cells was assessed using particles of the two different sizes. The amount of DNA attached to each particle, whether large or small, was the same.

Describe the effect of the different sized particles on the treatment of these animal cells.

[2]
a.

State one other physical method used to introduce DNA into plants.

[1]
b.

Markscheme

a. there is little/no significant difference in the success of transfecting DNA 

b. there is «significantly» less damage to the cells with the smaller/40nm particles

a.

electroporation / microinjection

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)
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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics

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