AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 3.0 STUDY GUIDE
Biotechnology, one of the state’s fastest growing programs, certifies that individuals have a knowledge and skill set
applicable to entry level positions in the agricultural industry, plant biotechnology laboratories and much more.
The certification standards for the Agricultural Biotechnology exam are based on the standards and benchmarks
taught in the Florida’s Agricultural Biotechnology program at the secondary level. Each standard is weighted based
on industry needs and feedback and are noted below. The number of questions per standard is determined by the
industry weight. A complete listing of Florida’s Agricultural Biotechnology standards and corresponding
benchmarks are available from the Florida Department of Education.
Standard
Description
Describe the history of agriculture and its influence on the
global economy
Practice agriscience safety skills and procedures
Resource
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 1, Unit 2 & Unit 4
Agricultural Mechanics Fundamentals & Applications, 6th
Editios: Unit 4 & Unit 5
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 14 & Unit 32
6
Apply scientific and technological principles to agriscience
issues
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 3, Unit 15, Unit 16 & Unit 28
4%
7
Apply environmental principles to the agricultural industry
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 7, Unit 8, Unit 9, Unit 10 & Unit 11
4%
8
Investigate and utilize basic scientific skills and principles in
plant science
4%
9
Investigate and utilize basic scientific skills and principles in
animal science
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 13, Unit 14, Unit 15, Unit 16, Unit 17, Unit 19, Unit 21
& Unit 22
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 26, Unit 27, Unit 28, Unit 29, Unit 30 & Unit 31
10
Demonstrate the use of agriscience tools, equipment, and
instruments
Agricultural Mechanics Fundamentals & Applications, 6th
Edition: Unit 7, Unit 8, Unit 30, Unit 31, Unit 39
4%
11
Demonstrate agribusiness, employability and human
relation skills
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 5 & Unit 6
4%
12
Apply leadership and citizenship skills
Agriscience Fundamentals & Applications, 5th Edition:
Unit 6
3%
13
Identify the historical, social, cultural and potential
applications of biotechnology
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 1, 2, 7, 9, 14
5%
14
15
Conduct scientific investigation and apply results
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapter 3
Practice agricultural laboratory safety
5%
4%
16
Apply genetic principles to agricultural production
MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 13-3: Managing Biological and
Chemical Materials MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 13-4
Managing Laboratory Wastes
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 5, 6, 7
17
Demonstrate laboratory skills as applied to biotechnology
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 6, 11,
13 MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 14-3: Aseptic
Techniques MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 14-9: Working with
Cell Cultures MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 14-11:
Electrophoresis MyCAERT E-Unit FEBT AG 14-5: Preparing
Solutions, Reagents, and Buffers MyCAERT E-Unit
FEBTAG14-2: Operating Equipment
9%
18
Demonstrate the application of biotechnology to
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR)
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10,
12
9%
22
Recognize and follow quality control procedures and
regulatory guidelines
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapter 14
5%
23
Analyze the historical, social, cultural and potential
applications of agricultural biotechnology
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15
5%
4
5
Weight
4%
4%
4%
5%
Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
24
Demonstrate proper tissue/cell culture techniques
25
Demonstrate the application of biotechnology to the
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) industries
Demonstrate leadership, employability, communication and
human relation skills
26
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapter 8 MyCAERT E-Unit
FEBT PL 24-2: Propogating Plants by Tissue Culture
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapters 9, 11, 13, 14
5%
Introduction to Biotechnology: Chapter 16
4%
9%
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
AGRISCIENCE FOUNDATIONS (YEAR 1)
STANDARD 4
4 QUESTIONS
Students should be familiar with the history of agriculture including but not limited to technological advancements.
Sample Question: What metal revolutionized agriculture?
Students should know the impact that agriculture has on the local, state, national and global economy.
• This includes statistics related to the number of farmers, how much food farmers produce, careers in
agriculture, etc.
Sample Question: For every dollar spent on food, what percent of that dollar is returned to the producer?
STANDARD 5
4 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to identify potential accidents in agriculture and know how to prevent accidents through
the use of personal safety equipment and clothing.
Sample Question: When discharging a fire extinguisher, how far away should you be positioned form the fire?
Students should know basic pesticide safety information including how to read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
and how to properly dispose of hazardous waste materials.
Sample Question: What is another term for the trade name of a pesticide?
STANDARD 6
4 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to use common laboratory equipment and employ scientific measurement skills.
Sample Question: Approximately how many grams are equal to one pound?
Students should be able to identify the parts and functions of plant and animal cells as well as describe the phases
of cell reproduction.
Sample Question: What is mitosis?
Students should be able to carry out agriscience research including interpreting, analyzing and reporting data.
Sample Question: What are the steps of the Scientific Method?
Students should be familiar with DNA, genetic applications in agriscience and advances in biotechnology.
Sample Question: What type of breeding involves choosing specific parents to desirable characteristics in the
offspring?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
STANDARD 7
4 QUESTIONS
Students should know how different climatic and geological activity influences agriculture.
Sample Question: The buildup of heat caused by radiant energy being trapped in the earth’s atmosphere is known
as what?
Students should be able to describe ecosystems and environmental resources related to agriculture production.
Sample Question: Air is what percent oxygen?
Students should be able to identify regulatory agencies, apply Best Management Practices and conservation
practices related to agriculture and natural resources.
Sample Question: What is meant by crop rotation?
STANDARD 8
4 QUESTIONS
Students should know the following concepts related plant science/growth:
• Plant categories
• Plant parts
• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Reproduction
• Nutrients required for growth
Sample Question: What is the series of processes in which light energy is converted into simple sugar called?
Students should able to analyze a fertilizer label.
Sample Question: What do the three numbers found on a fertilizer label represent?
Students should be familiar agricultural pests and pest control solutions.
Sample Question: What type of pesticide is used to kill insects?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
STANDARD 9
4 QUESTIONS
Students should know the following concepts related animal science:
• Animal categories (use, type, breed, scientific classification)
• Terminology
• Internal & External anatomy
• Animal management
• Animal health
• Animal safety
Sample Question: What is the name of the class of animals that have a stomach with four compartments?
Sample Question: Where is an intramuscular injection made?
Students should be aware of animal welfare issues.
Sample Question: What is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights?
Students should know the food, fiber and by-products provided by animals.
Sample Question: What are some common by-products of the animal industry?
STANDARD 10
4 QUESTIONS
Students should be able select, service and maintain and use agriscience tools, equipment and instruments.
Sample Question: When gripping wood, metal or plastic what type of tool would you use?
Students should know various physical science principals as applied in mechanical applications including but not
limited to:
• levers
• pulleys
• hydraulics
• internal combustion
Sample Question: A round device attached to a shaft and driven by a belt is know as what?
Students should be able to solve mathematical problem in agriscience including but not limited to:
• distance
• area
• volume
• proportion
• percentage
Sample Question: What is the U.S. standard unit of measurement when measuring the length of a piece of wood?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
STANDARD 11
4 QUESTIONS
Students should know how to develop, implement and maintain an SAE including using a record keeping system.
Sample Question: A student who’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) involves owning their own herd of cattle
has what type of SAE?
Students should have an understanding of oral communication, written communication nonverbal communication
and good listening skills.
Sample Question: What are the three parts of a speech?
STANDARD 12
3 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to identify and describe leadership characteristics and opportunities to acquire leadership
skills.
Sample Question: What is another word for integrity?
Students should be able to conduct meetings using correct parliamentary procedure.
Sample Question: What does two taps of the gavel mean?
Students should be aware of opportunities available through the National FFA Organization.
Sample Question: What is the highest degree that the FFA can bestow upon a member?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY 2 (YEAR 2)
STANDARD 13
5 QUESTIONS
Students should be familiar with the history of biotechnology, including (but not limited to) key scientists and
technological advancements.
Sample Question: What scientist(s) were responsible for determining the structure of the DNA molecule?
Students should be able to explain examples of biotechnology and how they have impacted agriculture. This
includes examples of biotechnology in food production, food processing, food preservation, and food safety.
Sample Question: What method of food preservation is being used when bacteria in milk produce lactic acid,
turning the milk into yogurt?
Students should be able to recognize benefits and risks associated with biotechnology.
Sample Question: What is a disadvantage of having genetic diversity in a species?
STANDARD 14
5 QUESTIONS
Students should know the differences between scientific laws and scientific theories.
Sample Question: What is the term for a statement of what a researcher believes will happen during
experimentation?
Students should be able to evaluate a scientific experiment. This includes being able to:
• identify the type of scientific research being conducted
• use the scientific method
• identify parts of an experiment
• evaluate data and draw conclusions
Sample Questions: When designing and conducting an experiment, what is the purpose of a “control group”? What
term is used to describe an experiment that produces similar results each time the experiment is conducted?
STANDARD 15
4 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to practice basic agricultural laboratory safety. This includes:
• identify first aid supplies, personnel, and emergency protection areas
• identify safety symbols and signs
• read and interpret Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• be familiar with types and uses of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• know procedures to safely use, store, and dispose of hazardous materials
• know procedures to safely use, store, and dispose of biological materials
Sample Questions: What piece of Personal Protective Equipment is used to protect skin on hands from contact with
biologically hazardous materials? What should be done to all potentially biologically hazardous materials before
disposing of them?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
STANDARD 16
5 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to explain the genetic processes that control how traits are inherited.
Sample Question: What does it mean for an animal to be homozygous for a particular gene?
Students should be able to identify genotypic and phenotypic factors that influence trait expression.
Sample Question: What factor causes phenotypic differences in clones?
Students should be familiar with the structure and function of DNA. This includes:
• chemical and physical properties of DNA
• history of discovery of DNA’s structure
Sample Question: What four nucleotides make up the code for genes within the DNA molecule?
Students should be able to explain the process of protein synthesis using appropriate terminology.
Sample Question: What is the function of messenger RNA (mRNA) in building proteins?
Students should be able to describe methods and tools scientists use to manipulate and study genes within an
organism.
Sample Question: What is the term for an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed?
STANDARD 17
9 QUESTIONS
Students should know how to operate laboratory equipment and measurement devices. This includes maintaining
proper aseptic technique.
Sample Question: What device is used to separate fragments of DNA according to their length?
Students should able to prepare and identify the proper uses of buffers, reagents, solutions, and media.
Sample Question: What term is commonly used to identify the combination of water and nutrients used to grow
cell cultures?
Students should be familiar with tools and techniques for working with cell cultures. This includes how to:
• isolate cell cultures
• maintain cell cultures
• quantify cell cultures
• store cell cultures
Sample Question: What is the use of a streak plate in working with cell cultures?
Students should be familiar with the tools and techniques of DNA and RNA manipulation (genetic engineering). This
includes methods for:
• extracting and purifying DNA
• isolating specific sequences of DNA or RNA
• replicating genetic material
• moving genetic material into desired cells
Sample Question: What technique is used to produce millions of copies of a DNA sequence WITHOUT using
bacteria to amplify the DNA?
Students should be able to identify current uses of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, and environmental
science. This includes the use of antibodies in biotechnology applications.
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
Sample Question: What are antibodies?
STANDARD 18
9 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to explain reasons for genetic modification of eukaryotes.
Sample Question: What is a benefit of using genetic engineering to improve a plant species instead of more
traditional selective breeding?
Students should be familiar with current uses of agricultural biotechnology in the agriculture, food and natural
resources industry today.
Sample Question: How does Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) production in bioengineered corn help to prevent damage
from the European Corn Borer?
Students should be able to diagram the process of producing transgenic eukaryotes.
Sample Question: What are two of the methods that can be used to insert foreign DNA into host cells?
Students should be able to identify foods produced through fermentation.
Sample Question: What item is a production of fermentation?
Students should be able to explain the process of making biofuels from biomass. This includes:
• identifying sources of biomass
• describing characteristics that make biomass useful for biofuel production
• producing alcohol, biodiesel, and methane from biomass
Sample Question: Why is it easier to make ethanol from starch-based biomass (ex. Corn kernels), rather than from
cellulose-based biomass (ex. Grasses)?
Students should be familiar with enzymes. This includes:
• their functions in living organisms
• their uses in the food industry
• physical and chemical factors that affect enzymatic reactions
• how biomanufactured enzymes are produced
Sample Question: What is an example of a food that changes form due to enzymatic reactions?
Students should be familiar with the following concepts regarding plant breeding and production:
• basic plant biology
• the selective plant breeding process
• methods for cloning plants from specialized plant parts
• traditional and modern methods of plant pest, weed, and disease control
• distinguish between agronomic traits and quality traits in a plant species
Sample Question: Why is pollination control important in the selective plant breeding process?
Students should be familiar with the following concepts regarding animal biotechnology:
• basic animal biology
• the selective breeding process
• functions of hormones in animals
Sample Question: Why is superovulation generally used in animal reproductive biotechnology?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 (YEAR 3)
STANDARD 22
5 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to describe the need for regulation in the biotechnology industry. This includes defining
regulation and identifying groups who contribute to developing regulation for biotechnology.
Sample Question: What is the purpose of governmental regulation in the biotechnology industry?
Students should be able to describe the function of major agencies that regulate biotechnology in the United States.
Sample Question: What is one role of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS)?
Students should be familiar with the approval process for a new bioengineered food product.
Sample Question: What government agency must give approval that a new bioengineered food product is safe for
consumers?
STANDARD 23
5 QUESTIONS
Students should be familiar with major innovators and milestones in the development of biotechnology.
Sample Question: When John Gurdon developed a procedure for nuclear transfer, what was he able to do for the
first time?
Students should have an understanding of potential future impacts of biotechnology.
Sample Question: What is one potential environmental benefit of producing pest-resistant crop varieties?
Students should be familiar with ethical issues in the field of biotechnology (bioethics). This includes:
• causes of ethical differences
• major concerns in human biotechnology
• major concerns in animal biotechnology
• major concerns in plant biotechnology
Sample Question: What aspect of stem cell research often leads to ethical controversy?
Student should be able to recognize intellectual property issues associated with bioethics including (but not limited
to) bioprospecting, biopiracy, and patent rights.
Sample Question: When a scientist travels to a location to collect biological samples that may be helpful in
scientific research, what are they doing?
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
STANDARD 24
5 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to identify and describe methods for maintaining aseptic technique for a tissue culture
facility, including required equipment and techniques.
Sample Question: What is the purpose of a laminar airflow hood in a tissue culture facility?
Students should be able to explain the effects of growth hormones on tissue/cell cultures.
Sample Question: Why are plant hormones often added to growth media in tissue culture?
Students should be able to explain the steps to produce plants using tissue culture methods using proper
terminology.
Sample Question: What is often the source material of explants for tissue culture?
Student should be able to explain benefits of plant tissue culture.
Sample Question: What are the major benefits of plant tissue culture?
STANDARD 25
9 QUESTIONS
Students should be able to explain opportunities, benefits and risks of using biotechnology to promote animal
health.
Sample Question: What are the major benefits of using biotechnology to promote animal health?
Students should be familiar with the production of biofuels from biomass. This includes:
• sources of biomass
• how to produce ethanol from biomass
• how to produce biodiesel from biomass
• how to produce methane from biomass
• positive and negative aspects of the technologies used to create biofuels from biomass
Sample Question: What term describes a fermented fuel that is produced by microbes as they consume sugar
molecules from cellulose?
Students should be familiar with use of biotechnology in bioremediation. This includes:
• methods for biotreatment of biological and chemical wastes
• advantages and disadvantages of using bioremediation to clean up pollution
Sample Question: What is enhanced bioremediation?
Students should be familiar with the effects of agricultural practices on the environment. This includes:
• understanding the importance of biodiversity
• explaining positive and negative impacts of agriculture and biotechnology on the environment
• recognizing methods to reduce the impacts of agriculture and biotechnology on the environment
Sample Questions: What trait, if engineered into crops can help reduce the amount of pesticides sprayed? What is
a method that can be used to prevent insects from becoming resistant to pesticide products in bioengineered
crops?
Students should be able to identify several methods for monitoring the impact of agricultural practices on the
environment. This includes (but is not limited to) immunoassays, indicator species, biosensors, etc.
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Agricultural Biotechnology Study Guide
Sample Question: What electronic instrument measures physical change in a biosensor produced in response to
the environment?
Students should be able to explain different methods to manage laboratory wastes.
Sample Question: When is it appropriate to send laboratory wastes to a landfill?
STANDARD 26
4 QUESTIONS
Student should be able to identify advanced training opportunities and educational requirements for a job in the
field of biotechnology.
Sample Question: At what type of educational institution can a student earn a Ph.D. (doctorate) degree?
Student should be familiar with careers in the biotechnology industry. This includes being familiar with the major
sectors of the biotechnology industry and jobs available in each.
Sample Question: What are two examples of jobs in the research and development sector of biotechnology?
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