Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)?

Accepted Answer

The transfer of the nucleus from a somatic cell into the cytoplasm of an enucleated egg.

Question 2

In SCNT, what is the primary purpose of enucleation?

Accepted Answer

To remove the nucleus from the egg cell, leaving behind an enucleated oocyte.

Question 3

Which of the following is a major problem associated with SCNT in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Low developmental rate of cloned embryos.

Question 4

What is the role of cellular reprogramming in SCNT?

Accepted Answer

It allows the somatic cell nucleus to revert to a pluripotent state and begin developing into an embryo.

Question 5

Which scientist is most closely associated with the cloning of Dolly the sheep?

Accepted Answer

Ian Wilmut

Question 6

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the common SCNT procedure?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 7

Why is genetic/cytoplasmic compatibility important when choosing a recipient for SCNT?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the donor nucleus can be reprogrammed by the recipient cytoplasm.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world application of animal cloning using SCNT?

Accepted Answer

Conservation of endangered species.

Question 9

What is the main ethical concern associated with animal cloning?

Accepted Answer

Animal welfare and unpredictability of outcomes.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the availability of genetic material is a limitation in de-extinction efforts?

Accepted Answer

DNA from extinct species must be preserved in a relatively intact state to be usable for SCNT.

Question 11

Which formula best represents the probability $$P of $$successful embryo development in SCNT, given a developmental rate $$d$$ and number of embryos $$n$$?

Accepted Answer

$$P = d 	imes n$$

Question 12

In the context of SCNT, which term refers to a cell's ability to differentiate into all cell types, including extra-embryonic tissues?

Accepted Answer

Totipotent

Question 13

Which instrument is essential for precise manipulation of cells during SCNT?

Accepted Answer

Micromanipulator

Question 14

What is the main difference between normal fertilization and somatic cell cloning?

Accepted Answer

Normal fertilization involves fusion of sperm and egg, while somatic cell cloning uses a somatic cell nucleus and an enucleated oocyte.

Question 15

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the choice of recipient species in SCNT?

Accepted Answer

Color of the animal's fur

Question 16

Which of the following is a step in the SCNT process that triggers the resumption of meiosis in the oocyte?

Accepted Answer

Activation

Question 17

Why might SCNT be used in livestock production?

Accepted Answer

To improve productivity and quality through genetic improvement.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the high incidence of fetal abnormalities in SCNT-derived animals?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete reprogramming of the somatic nucleus.

Question 19

In interspecies SCNT (iSCNT), which factor is most critical for success?

Accepted Answer

Genetic/cytoplasmic compatibility between donor and recipient species.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of cloned animals?

Accepted Answer

Increasing genetic diversity in wild populations

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and Its Applications

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