Explain the applications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture.

1. 1 · Define. Biotechnology uses living organisms or their parts to make useful products.
2. 2 · In medicine.
   • Human insulin for diabetes
   • Growth hormone and interferons
   • Recombinant vaccines (hepatitis B)
   • Tests such as ELISA
3. 3 · In agriculture.
   • Bt cotton resists bollworms
   • Golden rice gives vitamin A
   • Crops that last longer or resist drought
4. 4 · Gene therapy. A normal gene replaces a faulty one. It was first used in 1990 for ADA deficiency.
5. 5 · Stem cells. Unspecialised cells (embryonic, adult, cord blood) repair tissues, as in a bone marrow transplant for leukaemia.
6. 6 · Link to daily life. The hepatitis B vaccine for babies and Bt cotton in our fields come from biotechnology.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Add one concern: GM crops must be tested for safety before use.

Scoring tip: Two examples each for medicine and agriculture, plus a line each on gene therapy and stem cells, cover 7 marks.