Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process used to create recombinant DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

DNA fragments are joined by DNA ligase after restriction enzymes cut at specific sites.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a small amount of DNA extracted from a mummy. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 3

Which equation represents the number of DNA molecules after $$n$$ cycles of PCR, starting with one molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 4

Transgenic organisms are created by:

Accepted Answer

Introducing foreign DNA into their genome using biotechnology.

Question 5

Which of the following is a real-world application of transgenic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Producing human insulin for diabetes treatment.

Question 6

A plant is engineered to express the Bt gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. What is the primary benefit of this modification?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to insect pests

Question 7

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the process for animal cloning?

Accepted Answer

Insert a gene into a plasmid and transform bacteria

Question 8

Why is gel electrophoresis used in DNA profiling?

Accepted Answer

To separate DNA fragments based on size

Question 9

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are useful in forensic science because:

Accepted Answer

Individuals vary in the number of repeats, allowing for unique identification.

Question 10

Which of the following is a potential safety concern associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Accepted Answer

Spread of modified genes to wild populations

Question 11

A colony of bacteria grown on agar containing ampicillin and X-gal turns white. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria contain a recombinant plasmid with foreign DNA inserted into the lacZ gene.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why humans and mice can have 88% identical coding regions but look very different?

Accepted Answer

Differences in gene expression and regulation lead to distinct phenotypes.

Question 13

Which technique is used to compare DNA samples in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

DNA profiling using STR analysis and gel electrophoresis

Question 14

What is the role of DNA ligase in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It joins DNA fragments together to form recombinant DNA.

Question 15

Which of the following is a multi-step process used to produce human insulin in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Isolate human insulin gene, insert into plasmid, transform bacteria, grow colonies, harvest insulin.

Question 16

Which equation represents the probability of a DNA match using $$k$$ independent STR markers, each with a probability $$p of $$matching by chance?

Accepted Answer

$$p^k$$

Question 17

CRISPR technology is unique among gene editing tools because it:

Accepted Answer

Allows precise, efficient, and flexible editing of specific DNA sequences.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a goal of biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Increasing genetic diversity in wild populations

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a transgenic animal used for medical purposes?

Accepted Answer

Goats expressing spider silk protein in their milk

Question 20

Which step in gene expression is represented by the equation $$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{Protein}$$?

Accepted Answer

Transcription followed by translation

Biotechnology: Tools, Applications, and Implications

Study Guide - Practice Questions