Golden rice is a genetically modified crop that produces beta carotene, which the human body uses to make vitamin A. Describe how genetic modification of a plant such as golden rice can have both advantages and disadvantages for human populations.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Golden rice supplies β‑carotene, a provitamin A source, helping to reduce vitamin A deficiency and prevent blindness in populations with limited access to animal‑derived vitamin A.
2. The inserted genes also confer improved tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought or poor soil, potentially increasing yield and food security.
3. However, cultivation of GM rice can lead to cross‑pollination with wild relatives, threatening local biodiversity and the integrity of non‑GM varieties.
4. The high cost of seed and regulatory approval may limit access for smallholder farmers, raising ethical concerns about equity and control over food supplies.
2. The inserted genes also confer improved tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought or poor soil, potentially increasing yield and food security.
3. However, cultivation of GM rice can lead to cross‑pollination with wild relatives, threatening local biodiversity and the integrity of non‑GM varieties.
4. The high cost of seed and regulatory approval may limit access for smallholder farmers, raising ethical concerns about equity and control over food supplies.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms ‘β‑carotene’, ‘vitamin A deficiency’, ‘cross‑pollination’, and ‘cost/ethical concerns’ to match the mark scheme. 4 points: 1 nutrition, 1 yield, 1 biodiversity, 1 cost/ethics. Keep each point brief and separate.
- Remember to mention the specific benefit (vitamin A) and the specific risk (cross‑pollination or cost). Avoid vague statements like ‘good for health’ or ‘bad for environment’.
- Use UK spelling: ‘biodiversity’, ‘cross‑pollination’, ‘ethics’.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the two disadvantages (e.g., citing herbicide resistance instead of cross‑pollination).
- Failing to name the specific nutrient (β‑carotene) or the specific health outcome (vitamin A deficiency).
- Using plural ‘advantages’ for a single point or vice‑versa.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- One advantage related to human nutrition or health
- One further advantage related to crop yield, pest/disease resistance, or environmental conditions
- One disadvantage related to biodiversity, cross-contamination, or herbicide resistance
- One further disadvantage related to cost, unknown health impacts, or ethical concerns
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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