Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to insert or remove genes.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA segment from a small sample. Which technique should they use, and what is the main enzyme involved?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Taq polymerase

Question 3

Which of the following is a real-world application of the CRISPR-Cas9 system?

Accepted Answer

Editing genes to correct mutations causing genetic diseases

Question 4

In prokaryotes, what is the primary function of an operon such as the lac operon?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the expression of genes in response to environmental changes

Question 5

Which process is used to separate DNA fragments by size, and what is the principle behind it?

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis; DNA fragments move through a gel matrix under an electric field

Question 6

A researcher inserts a gene for insulin production into a bacterial plasmid. What is the main advantage of using bacteria for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria can produce large amounts of insulin quickly and inexpensively.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why gene expression in eukaryotes is more complex than in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotes have multiple levels of regulation, including chromatin structure and RNA processing.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct comparison between Archaea and Bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Both lack a nucleus but differ in cell wall composition.

Question 9

A mutation disables the repressor protein of the lac operon in E. coli. What is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

The lac operon will be expressed continuously, even without lactose present.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of mRNA in gene expression?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation.

Question 11

Which step in the central dogma of molecular biology is catalyzed by RNA polymerase?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 12

A scientist uses RT-PCR to detect the expression of a specific gene in a tissue sample. What is the first step in this process?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcribing mRNA into complementary DNA (cDNA)

Question 13

Which of the following statements about plasmids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently in bacteria.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

The uptake of foreign DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic genes are often interrupted by introns, while prokaryotic genes are not.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics like penicillin are effective against bacteria but not human cells?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin targets the bacterial cell wall, which human cells lack.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It degrades specific mRNA molecules to regulate gene expression.

Question 18

A scientist wants to compare the evolutionary relationships among bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Which molecule should they analyze?

Accepted Answer

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of conjugation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another via a pilus.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct result of gene cloning in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Production of large quantities of a specific protein, such as insulin

Genetic Engineering, Prokaryotes, and Gene Expression – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions