Question 1

Which property of DNA is fundamental to the process of nucleic acid hybridization, enabling genetic engineering techniques?

Accepted Answer

The complementarity of the two DNA strands

Question 2

In gene cloning, what is the primary function of a plasmid used as a cloning vector?

Accepted Answer

To carry foreign DNA into a bacterial cell and replicate it

Question 3

A restriction enzyme recognizes the sequence $$5'	ext{-}AAGCTT	ext{-}3'$$ and cuts between the two adenines. What type of bond is cleaved by the enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone

Question 4

Why are sticky ends important in the creation of recombinant DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

They enable complementary base pairing between DNA fragments

Question 5

Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on which property?

Accepted Answer

The length of the DNA fragments

Question 6

During PCR, what is the role of primers?

Accepted Answer

They hybridize to specific sequences flanking the target DNA segment

Question 7

A researcher wants to amplify a gene from a woolly mammoth using PCR. After 30 cycles, how many copies of the target sequence will be present, assuming perfect efficiency?

Accepted Answer

$$2^{30}$$

Question 8

Why is Taq polymerase used in PCR instead of a typical DNA polymerase?

Accepted Answer

It is resistant to high temperatures required for DNA denaturation

Question 9

Which step in PCR involves the separation of DNA strands by heating?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Question 10

What is the main limitation of PCR compared to gene cloning in cells?

Accepted Answer

PCR is prone to errors and cannot produce large quantities of error-free DNA

Question 11

In the context of genetic engineering, what is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Accepted Answer

An organism that contains a gene from another species

Question 12

Which enzyme is responsible for sealing the sugar-phosphate backbone during the creation of recombinant DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 13

Next-generation DNA sequencing allows for rapid determination of nucleotide sequences. What is a key feature of this technology?

Accepted Answer

Sequencing by synthesis of the complementary strand, one nucleotide at a time

Question 14

Which technique allows for the editing of specific genes in living cells by using a guide RNA and a nuclease?

Accepted Answer

CRISPR-Cas9

Question 15

A patient with sickle-cell disease is treated using CRISPR-based gene editing. What is the most likely mechanism for this treatment?

Accepted Answer

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is used to cut the mutated gene, and repair enzymes use a normal DNA template to correct the mutation

Question 16

What is the purpose of adding methyl groups to bacterial DNA at restriction sites?

Accepted Answer

To protect the bacterial DNA from its own restriction enzymes

Question 17

Which real-world application of PCR is described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying DNA from ancient organisms like the woolly mammoth

Question 18

In gene cloning, why is it important that the foreign DNA and the plasmid are cut with the same restriction enzyme?

Accepted Answer

To produce complementary sticky ends that can hybridize

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of a gene drive?

Accepted Answer

A strategy to bias inheritance of an engineered gene, rapidly spreading it through a population

Question 20

Base editing is a new technique used with CRISPR. What distinguishes base editing from traditional CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing?

Accepted Answer

Base editing chemically modifies specific bases without cutting both DNA strands

Genetic Engineering: DNA Cloning, Sequencing, and Genome Editing

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