Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences, producing fragments with sticky or blunt ends.

Question 2

A scientist wants to clone a gene of interest into a bacterial plasmid. Which sequence must be present in both the gene and the plasmid for successful ligation using EcoRI?

Accepted Answer

GAATTC

Question 3

During gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments are separated based on which property?

Accepted Answer

Their size, shape, and charge

Question 4

Which equation best represents the exponential amplification of DNA during PCR after $$n$$ cycles, starting with a single DNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 5

Why is Taq polymerase used in PCR instead of other DNA polymerases?

Accepted Answer

It is resistant to high temperatures used during denaturation.

Question 6

A forensic scientist uses PCR to amplify a small DNA sample from a crime scene. Which step is NOT part of the PCR process?

Accepted Answer

Ligation of DNA fragments

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant DNA technology in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Production of recombinant human growth hormone (hGH)

Question 8

What is the purpose of using a molecular weight (MW) marker in gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

To provide a reference for fragment size comparison

Question 9

Which step in PCR involves cooling the reaction mixture to allow primers to bind to complementary DNA sequences?

Accepted Answer

Annealing

Question 10

In DNA sequencing, what is the function of fluorescently labeled ddNTPs?

Accepted Answer

They terminate DNA synthesis at specific bases and label the fragments for detection.

Question 11

A researcher wants to create a genetically modified plant resistant to pests. Which sequence of steps is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Extract DNA, amplify gene, insert into plasmid, transform bacteria, move gene into plant cells, grow plants

Question 12

Which of the following statements about plasmids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome.

Question 13

What is the significance of sticky ends produced by restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They allow DNA fragments from different sources to be joined by complementary base pairing.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible reason why GMOs are found in a high percentage of packaged foods in the US?

Accepted Answer

GMOs are used to increase crop yield and resistance to pests, making them common in agriculture.

Question 15

A student is analyzing a gel electrophoresis result. Which fragment will migrate the furthest from the well?

Accepted Answer

The smallest DNA fragment

Question 16

Which process allows bacteria to take up recombinant plasmids from their environment?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 17

In PCR, why are two primers required?

Accepted Answer

One primer is used for each strand to allow synthesis in both directions.

Question 18

Which Nobel Prize-winning technique is used to amplify DNA in vitro?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 19

A patient receives a protein therapy produced by recombinant bacteria. Which step was essential in producing this protein?

Accepted Answer

Insertion of the human gene into a bacterial plasmid followed by transformation and expression in bacteria

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why DNA sequencing is important in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

It determines the exact nucleotide order, allowing identification and manipulation of genes.

The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genomics, and New Frontiers

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