Question 1

Which technique would you use to determine the spatial expression pattern of a specific mRNA in a fixed tissue sample?

Accepted Answer

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

Question 2

A researcher wants to quantify the expression levels of all RNAs in a tissue sample. Which method should they use?

Accepted Answer

RNA sequencing (RNAseq)

Question 3

Why does cDNA produced by reverse transcriptase lack introns?

Accepted Answer

Because it is synthesized from mature mRNA, which has already had its introns spliced out

Question 4

In a qRT-PCR COVID test, what does a low Ct (threshold cycle) value indicate?

Accepted Answer

A high amount of starting viral RNA in the sample

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the main advantage of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) over bulk RNAseq?

Accepted Answer

It reveals gene expression patterns in individual cells, allowing identification of rare cell types

Question 6

A scientist wants to determine which cell type in a tissue is most affected by a new drug. Which technique would provide the most detailed answer?

Accepted Answer

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq)

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a step in the Western blot protocol?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying DNA using PCR

Question 8

What is the role of antibodies in immunohistochemistry?

Accepted Answer

They bind specifically to target proteins, allowing visualization of protein location in tissues

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why at-home COVID antigen tests can give a visible result?

Accepted Answer

Gold nanoparticle-conjugated antibodies bind to viral antigens, accumulating at a test line to produce a visible signal

Question 10

A tissue sample is homogenized and used for RNAseq. What is a potential limitation of this approach compared to single-cell RNAseq?

Accepted Answer

It averages gene expression across all cell types, masking differences between individual cells

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the exponential amplification of DNA during PCR, where $$N is $$the number of DNA molecules after $$n$$ cycles, and $$N_0 is $$the initial number?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes 2^n$$

Question 12

Which part of an antibody is responsible for binding to a specific antigen?

Accepted Answer

Fab region

Question 13

A researcher is interested in visualizing the location of a specific protein within the cells of a tissue section. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Question 14

Which of the following statements about Western blotting is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It uses antibodies to detect specific proteins after separation by size

Question 15

During a qRT-PCR experiment, a sample reaches the fluorescence threshold at cycle 15, while another reaches it at cycle 25. What can you conclude?

Accepted Answer

The sample reaching threshold at cycle 15 had more starting template

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq)?

Accepted Answer

Identifying which cell type is most affected by a disease

Question 17

What is the main function of the Fc region of an antibody?

Accepted Answer

It is recognized by immune cells and mediates immune responses

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the principle behind FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization)?

Accepted Answer

Fluorescently labeled RNA or DNA probes hybridize to complementary RNA sequences in fixed tissues

Question 19

A patient tests positive on an at-home COVID antigen test. What is being detected in their sample?

Accepted Answer

Viral antigens bound by specific antibodies

Question 20

Which of the following steps is unique to RNAseq and not part of RT-PCR?

Accepted Answer

Sequencing all cDNAs to determine the transcriptome

Methods for Studying RNA and Proteins

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