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Date May 2018 Marks available 1 Reference code 18M.3.SL.TZ1.10
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term State Question number 10 Adapted from N/A

Question

Microorganisms can be used in bioremediation of pollution, including oil spills at sea.

State the role of microorganisms in bioremediation.

[1]
a.

Explain the use of a named bacterium in bioremediation.

[3]
b.

Markscheme

environmental pollution is removed by microorganisms

OWTTE

a.

a. name of bacterium (genus required) and contaminating substance 

b. outline of one action of (this) bacterium to remove environmental contaminants from water or soil 

c. another detail of use of (this) bacterium to remove the contaminant 

d. advantage e.g. environmentally damaging chemicals not required / lower cost 

e. disadvantage e.g. may take longer / environmental conditions may not suit the bacterium

Full marks can only be given if a named example is given.

one example:
a. Pseudomonas (aeruginosa) to remove oil spills

b. uses crude oil for energy / breaks down crude oil

c. bacteria also need other chemicals/process may be speeded up by adding essential inorganic nutrients (phosphates/nitrates).

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics) » B.3 Environmental protection
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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)
Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics

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