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Certain yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can be modified and made to express a human gene, resulting in the production of insulin - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 36 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 36
Certain yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can be modified and made to express a human gene, resulting in the production of insulin. S. cerevisiae can most accurately... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Certain yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can be modified and made to express a human gene, resulting in the production of insulin - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 36 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
S. cerevisiae can most accurately be described as a transgenic organism.
Answer
Transgenic organisms are those that have had DNA from one species inserted into their genome. The modification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to express a human gene, specifically for the production of insulin, falls under this definition. This indicates that S. cerevisiae contains genes from the human genome, making it transgenic.
Step 2
S. cerevisiae can most accurately be described as a yeast-human hybrid.
Answer
While this term suggests a blend of yeast and human genes, it does not accurately represent the genetic modification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as it does not imply the complete hybridization of two distinct organisms. Therefore, this option is misleading.
Step 3
S. cerevisiae can most accurately be described as a genetically mutated organism.
Answer
Genetically mutated organisms may possess alterations in their DNA; however, this term generally refers to spontaneous changes. The yeast's capacity to express human insulin is a deliberate modification rather than a mutation, making this description inadequate.
Step 4