Students should be able to describe and explain some possible biotechnical and agricultural solutions, including genetic modification, to the demands of the growing human population. • Modern biotechnology techniques enable large quantities of microorganisms to be cultured for food. • The fungus Fusarium is useful for producing mycoprotein, a protein-rich food suitable for vegetarians. The fungus is grown on glucose syrup, in aerobic conditions, and the biomass is harvested and purified. • A genetically modified bacterium produces human insulin. When harvested and purified this is used to treat people with diabetes. • GM crops could provide more food or food with an improved nutritional value such as golden rice.