← Biotechnology syllabus

SingaporeBiotechnology

Applications in Agriculture and Industry

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Can we use living microorganisms to clean up oil spills, treat sewage and break down pollution?

Describe how microorganisms are used to treat waste and clean up pollution through bioremediation
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on environmental biotechnology. Bioremediation of pollutants, sewage treatment, the advantages over other methods, and the limitations.
8 min answer →

How do microorganisms turn milk into yoghurt, dough into bread, and sugar into beer?

Describe how microorganisms are used in food and drink production through fermentation
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on food biotechnology. Fermentation by yeast and bacteria, how bread, yoghurt and alcoholic drinks are made, and the conditions needed.
8 min answer →

How can adding a single gene make a crop resist pests, survive drought, or carry extra nutrients?

Describe how crops are genetically modified and discuss the benefits and concerns of GM crops
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on GM crops. How a useful gene is inserted into a plant, examples such as pest resistance, and a balanced view of the benefits and concerns.
9 min answer →

Why do detergents, food factories and fuel plants all rely on enzymes and microorganisms?

Describe the use of enzymes in industry and the production of biofuels, and explain their advantages
A focused answer to the O-Level outcome on industrial enzymes and biofuels. What enzymes do in industry, the benefits of immobilised enzymes, and how biofuels such as ethanol are made.
9 min answer →