Scientists compare two GM rice lines, R and S. Each line produces a different insecticidal protein.
Equal numbers of rice stem borer larvae, which are pest insects, and silkworm larvae, which are non-target insects, are fed diets containing material from each rice line. A diet containing material from non-GM rice is used as a control. All groups are kept under identical conditions.
| Rice line | Rice stem borer mortality / % | Silkworm mortality / % |
|---|---|---|
| Non-GM | 6 | 5 |
| GM line R | 72 | 31 |
| GM line S | 70 | 7 |
Which conclusion do the data support?
Both GM lines had similar effects on stem borer mortality, but line S had a much smaller effect on silkworm mortality.
Line R had a much greater effect on stem borer mortality, but a similar effect on silkworm mortality to line S.
Both GM lines had similar effects on stem borer mortality, but line R had a much smaller effect on silkworm mortality.
Line S had a much greater effect on stem borer mortality, but a similar effect on silkworm mortality to line R.
100 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Biology 4.3 Selective breeding and genetic modification, covering 4.3.1 Selective breeding and its impact, 4.3.2 Tissue culture, 4.3.3 Genetic engineering overview, 4.3.4 Main stages of genetic engineering, 4.3.5 Advantages and disadvantages of GM organisms, 4.3.6 Agricultural solutions for a growing population, and 4.3.7 Evaluating genetic engineering and breeding. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.