Explain how GM crops can improve food production.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 5.1 Food production · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Farmers in tropical regions often face significant crop losses due to insect pests and unpredictable growing conditions. Genetic modification has been proposed as one strategy to address these challenges.

Model answer (4 marks)

1. GM crops can be engineered to express a gene that confers resistance to insect pests, such as a toxin from a bacterium that kills the pest.
2. This resistance means fewer plants are damaged or destroyed by pests, so a larger proportion of the crop survives.
3. The greater survival leads to higher yields, as more plants produce fruit or grain.
4. The resistance trait is introduced by inserting a desired gene from another organism into the crop’s genome, giving the plant a new characteristic that improves production.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘engineered’ or ‘modified’ to show understanding of GM. Link resistance to increased survival and then to yield. Mention the insertion of a gene from another organism. Keep each point brief and to the point.

Common mistakes

Confusing GM with conventional breeding. Failing to link pest resistance to yield. Using vague terms like ‘better crop’ without explaining how.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

GM crops can be made resistant to pests (e.g. insects/herbivores)
This means fewer plants are destroyed/damaged by pests, so more of the crop survives (linking resistance to improved yield)
GM crops can be produced with higher/better yields (e.g. faster growth or greater fruit/grain production)
A desired gene from another organism is inserted into the crop's genome / DNA, giving the crop a new desirable characteristic

Key terms in this question

GM crops