Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why humans have about the same number of genes as a microscopic worm, but only half as many as a rice plant?

Accepted Answer

Gene number alone does not determine organismal complexity; regulatory mechanisms and gene interactions play a significant role.

Question 2

DNA profiling is used in forensic science to establish guilt or innocence. Which technique is essential for amplifying small amounts of DNA from a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Question 3

A scientist wants to produce a human protein in large quantities using bacteria. Which process should they use?

Accepted Answer

Recombinant DNA technology

Question 4

What is the main function of a bacterial plasmid in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

To carry and replicate foreign genes independently of the bacterial chromosome

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a transgenic organism?

Accepted Answer

An organism that has acquired genes from another species by artificial means

Question 6

Researchers use the CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing. What is the role of the guide RNA in this system?

Accepted Answer

To direct the Cas9 protein to a specific DNA sequence for targeted cutting

Question 7

Why are yeast sometimes used instead of bacteria to produce certain human proteins?

Accepted Answer

Yeast can perform post-translational modifications that bacteria cannot.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world application of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Engineering crops to produce their own insecticides, reducing chemical use

Question 9

A genetically modified Atlantic salmon reaches market size in 18 months instead of 3 years. What is the main reason for this accelerated growth?

Accepted Answer

A growth-promoting gene from another species has been inserted into its genome.

Question 10

Human gene therapy aims to treat disease by introducing genes into an afflicted person. Which cell type is ideally suited as a target for gene therapy and why?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow stem cells, because they can give rise to many different cell types

Question 11

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is used in DNA profiling. What does STR analysis compare?

Accepted Answer

The lengths of repeated DNA sequences at specific sites in the genome

Question 12

Which equation best represents the exponential amplification of DNA molecules during PCR, where $$n is $$the number of cycles?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 13

Gel electrophoresis is used in DNA profiling. What property of DNA fragments does this technique separate?

Accepted Answer

Their length (size)

Question 14

Which of the following is a potential ethical concern associated with human DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

The possibility of discrimination based on genetic information

Question 15

What is the main concern about adding genes for herbicide resistance to crop plants?

Accepted Answer

Herbicide-resistant crops may pass their resistance genes to wild relatives, creating 'superweeds'.

Question 16

Which law protects individuals from discrimination based on genetic information in health insurance and employment?

Accepted Answer

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a product that has been mass-produced using genetically modified bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics for viral infections

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the Human Genome Project is correct?

Accepted Answer

It determined the nucleotide sequence of all the DNA in the human genome.

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of bioinformatics in genomics?

Accepted Answer

To compare and analyze large sets of genetic data to understand evolutionary relationships and gene functions

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of DNA profiling being used outside of criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

Identifying victims of disasters

Chapter 12: DNA Technology

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