Science> Year 10> Unit 1> Checkpoint 2

Checkpoint 2

This checkpoint tests Block B: selective breeding, genetic modification, transgenic organisms, DNA technologies, CRISPR gene editing, and the ethics of genetic technologies.

SC5-GEV-02 Lessons 6-10 10 MC 3 Short Answer Checkpoint 2 of 4
CP2

Coverage

This checkpoint assesses your understanding of how humans have manipulated genetic material and the ethical questions that arise.

Lesson 6

Selective breeding and artificial selection as the oldest genetic technology.

Lesson 7

Genetic modification, transgenic organisms, and comparing GM to selective breeding.

Lesson 8

DNA profiling, fingerprinting, sequencing and their real-world applications.

Lesson 9

Gene editing and CRISPR — precision tools for changing DNA.

Lesson 10

Ethical frameworks for evaluating genetic technologies.

Checkpoint Standard This checkpoint expects you to compare technologies, evaluate their uses, and discuss ethical issues using evidence rather than opinion alone.
MC Score
0 / 10
SA Score
0 / 12
Multiple Choice
Q

Test Your Understanding

UnderstandBand 3

1. What is the main difference between selective breeding and genetic modification?

ASelective breeding changes DNA directly; GM only chooses which organisms reproduce
BSelective breeding chooses organisms with desired traits to reproduce; GM directly alters DNA in a laboratory
CThere is no difference — they are exactly the same process
DSelective breeding is only used on plants; GM is only used on animals
UnderstandBand 3

2. A transgenic organism is one that:

AHas been created by selective breeding over many generations
BHas identical DNA to both of its parents
CContains genes from a different species inserted into its DNA
DCannot reproduce because its DNA has been altered
ApplyBand 4

3. Bt cotton is widely grown in Australia. It has been genetically modified to produce a protein that kills cotton bollworm pests. Which benefit does this provide?

AReduced need for chemical pesticide spraying, lowering costs and environmental impact
BThe cotton grows faster than non-GM varieties in all conditions
CThe cotton is guaranteed to be completely resistant to all insects and diseases
DFarmers no longer need to water the crops
UnderstandBand 3

4. DNA profiling is useful in forensic science because:

AIt can predict a person's future behaviour
BIt creates an exact clone of a suspect
CIt changes a person's DNA to match evidence
DIt can match DNA from a crime scene to an individual with high accuracy
UnderstandBand 4

5. What is CRISPR-Cas9 used for?

ASequencing entire genomes in one step
BMaking precise, targeted changes to specific genes in DNA
CCreating entirely new species from scratch
DRemoving all mutations from an organism's DNA
UnderstandBand 3

6. Which of the following is a potential ethical concern about genetic modification?

AGM crops always taste better than non-GM crops
BGM organisms are illegal in all countries
CGM crops may cross-pollinate with wild relatives, affecting biodiversity
DAll genetic modification is completely safe with no risks
AnalyseBand 4

7. A scientist wants to use CRISPR to edit human embryos to prevent a serious genetic disease. Which ethical issue is most relevant?

AChanges to embryo DNA would be inherited by all future generations, raising concerns about unintended consequences
BCRISPR cannot edit DNA at all
CThe disease is not actually genetic
DAll human embryos already have perfect DNA
UnderstandBand 3

8. Which Australian agricultural product is a well-known example of genetic modification?

AOrganic wheat from South Australia
BFree-range eggs from Tasmania
CGrass-fed beef from Queensland
DBt cotton, grown widely in Queensland and NSW
ApplyBand 4

9. A farmer has been selectively breeding wheat for drought resistance for 20 years. A neighbouring farmer plants GM drought-resistant wheat developed in a lab. Which statement best compares the two approaches?

ASelective breeding is faster and more precise than GM
BBoth aim to improve crop traits, but GM can introduce genes from other species and work faster than selective breeding
CGM wheat is always more dangerous than selectively bred wheat
DSelective breeding changes DNA directly while GM only chooses parents
AnalyseBand 5

10. A biotechnology company proposes using gene editing to make all dairy cattle hornless, preventing injuries to farm workers and other cattle. Which counter-argument best represents an ethical concern about this proposal?

AHornless cattle would produce less milk
BGene editing cannot change physical traits like horns
CEditing all cattle to be hornless would reduce genetic diversity, potentially making the population vulnerable if conditions change
DHorns are necessary for cattle to digest food
Short Answer
✍

Short Answer Questions

UnderstandBand 3

11. Explain the difference between selective breeding and genetic modification. Include one example of each in your answer. 4 MARKS

Answer in your book — aim for 4 distinct points.
ApplyBand 4

12. Describe two applications of DNA technology in modern society. For each application, explain how it benefits people and identify one limitation or ethical concern. 4 MARKS

Write your answer with examples in your book.
AnalyseBand 5

13. A scientist claims: "Gene editing with CRISPR should be allowed for all purposes because it is just a more precise version of selective breeding." Evaluate this claim, considering both supporting evidence and counter-arguments. 4 MARKS

Write a balanced evaluation in your book.

Review & Reflect

✓ I can explain...

  • How selective breeding differs from GM
  • What transgenic organisms are
  • How DNA profiling and sequencing work
  • What CRISPR is used for
  • Ethical concerns about genetic technologies

⚠ I need to review...

  • The steps in creating a transgenic organism
  • How gel electrophoresis separates DNA
  • Off-target effects of CRISPR
  • Australian regulations on GM crops
  • How to evaluate claims using evidence

Mark checkpoint as complete

Tick when you have finished all questions and reviewed your answers.

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