GCSE Biology revision

Role of biotechnology

Food production (biology only)

AQA 4.1.1.1

Your specification

AQA student objectives

Learning pathway

All · Most · Some

ALL 🎯

Identify and describe Why Biotechnology Matters for Food Security, What is Mycoprotein? and How the Fermenter Works in the context of role of biotechnology.

MOST 🎯🎯

Explain the relationships between Why Biotechnology Matters for Food Security, What is Mycoprotein? and How the Fermenter Works and how they contribute to role of biotechnology.

SOME 🎯🎯🎯

Apply and analyse knowledge of Why Biotechnology Matters for Food Security, What is Mycoprotein? and How the Fermenter Works to interpret unfamiliar information about role of biotechnology.

Revision summary

Key knowledge

Read on screen, then print for Cornell-style active revision.

Why Biotechnology Matters for Food Security

Biotechnology offers solutions to food security challenges by increasing the quantity and quality of food produced.
Two key biotechnological approaches are mycoprotein production and genetically modified (GM) crops.

What is Mycoprotein?

Mycoprotein is a high-protein, low-fat meat alternative made from the fungus Fusarium.
It is grown in large industrial fermenters using glucose syrup as a food source.
The fungal biomass is harvested, purified, and dried to produce the final mycoprotein product.
The well-known trade name for mycoprotein is Quorn, though other mycoprotein products also exist.

2. What is Mycoprotein?AQA

Notes

Mycoprotein is a high-protein, low-fat meat alternative made from the fungus Fusarium.
It is grown in large industrial fermenters using glucose syrup as a food source.
The fungal biomass is harvested, purified, and dried to produce the final mycoprotein product.
The well-known trade name for mycoprotein is Quorn, though other mycoprotein products also exist.

How the Fermenter Works

Fusarium is added to the fermenter along with glucose syrup as a nutrient source. pH and temperature are carefully maintained at optimum levels to prevent enzymes from being denatured.
A water jacket surrounds the fermenter to remove excess heat produced by the respiring Fusarium.
Sterile oxygen is pumped in to support aerobic respiration of the fungus.
Stirring paddles mix the contents to ensure oxygen and nutrients are evenly distributed throughout.
The mycoprotein is removed from the bottom of the fermenter once the process is complete.

3. How the Fermenter WorksAQA

Notes

Fusarium is added to the fermenter along with glucose syrup as a nutrient source. pH and temperature are carefully maintained at optimum levels to prevent enzymes from being denatured.
A water jacket surrounds the fermenter to remove excess heat produced by the respiring Fusarium.
Sterile oxygen is pumped in to support aerobic respiration of the fungus.
Stirring paddles mix the contents to ensure oxygen and nutrients are evenly distributed throughout.
The mycoprotein is removed from the bottom of the fermenter once the process is complete.

What are GM Crops?

Genetically modified (GM) crops are produced by transferring a useful gene from one organism into a crop plant.
GM crops can be engineered to be resistant to pests and diseases, increasing yields.
Some GM crops are designed to grow in areas with low rainfall, helping food production in drought-prone regions.
Golden Rice is an example of a GM crop that produces a chemical convertible to vitamin A, addressing nutritional deficiencies in developing countries.

4. What are GM Crops?AQA

Notes

Genetically modified (GM) crops are produced by transferring a useful gene from one organism into a crop plant.
GM crops can be engineered to be resistant to pests and diseases, increasing yields.
Some GM crops are designed to grow in areas with low rainfall, helping food production in drought-prone regions.
Golden Rice is an example of a GM crop that produces a chemical convertible to vitamin A, addressing nutritional deficiencies in developing countries.

Concerns About GM Crops

The long-term effects of GM crops on natural ecosystems are not yet fully understood.
There is concern that artificial genes could spread to and affect natural wild plant populations.
GM crops are often made infertile, meaning farmers must buy new seeds from the same company each year.
Some argue that tackling poverty should be prioritised, as many farmers in developing countries cannot afford GM technology.

5. Concerns About GM CropsAQA

Notes

The long-term effects of GM crops on natural ecosystems are not yet fully understood.
There is concern that artificial genes could spread to and affect natural wild plant populations.
GM crops are often made infertile, meaning farmers must buy new seeds from the same company each year.
Some argue that tackling poverty should be prioritised, as many farmers in developing countries cannot afford GM technology.

GM Crops in the UK and Beyond

In the UK, GM crops are currently not grown in open fields but may be cultivated in controlled greenhouse environments.
Many other countries around the world do grow GM crops commercially in open fields.