Question 1

Which of the following best describes a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?

Accepted Answer

An organism whose genome has been altered using recombinant DNA technology to introduce new genetic material.

Question 2

Which enzyme is commonly referred to as 'DNA scissors' due to its ability to cut DNA at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme

Question 3

A scientist wants to insert a gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP) from jellyfish into mice. Which of the following steps is NOT required in this process?

Accepted Answer

Exposing the mice to UV light to induce random mutations

Question 4

Which of the following statements about restriction enzymes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What is the main advantage of using CRISPR/Cas9 over earlier genome editing technologies like ZFN and TALEN?

Accepted Answer

CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA for targeting, making it easier and more flexible to design.

Question 6

Which repair mechanism is most precise for inserting a new DNA sequence after a double-strand break?

Accepted Answer

Homology-directed repair (HDR)

Question 7

A researcher uses PCR to amplify a DNA segment. Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the number of DNA copies after $$n$$ cycles, starting from a single molecule?

Accepted Answer

$$N = 2^n$$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Producing human insulin in E. coli for diabetes treatment

Question 9

Why is DNA ligase essential in the creation of recombinant DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

It covalently joins DNA fragments by sealing the phosphodiester backbone.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why CRISPR/Cas9 requires a PAM sequence for DNA cleavage?

Accepted Answer

The PAM sequence is necessary for Cas9 to bind and unwind the target DNA, and Cas9 cuts 3bp before the PAM.

Question 11

A genetically modified salmon grows year-round instead of only during spring and summer. Which genetic modification most likely explains this phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Insertion of a growth hormone gene under the control of a constitutive promoter

Question 12

Which of the following is a limitation of conventional transgenic methods in plants?

Accepted Answer

Random insertion of the transgene, leading to variable expression and efficiency

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between traditional breeding and genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering can introduce genes from different species, while traditional breeding is limited to within-species crosses.

Question 14

A scientist wants to visualize the results of a PCR reaction. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Question 15

Which of the following is a key feature of a DNA vector used in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It must be able to replicate independently within a host cell.

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible reason for using GFP (green fluorescent protein) in genetic engineering experiments?

Accepted Answer

To visualize gene expression in living organisms

Question 17

A researcher is using CRISPR/Cas9 to inactivate a gene in human cells. Which of the following outcomes is most likely if the cell repairs the double-strand break by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of small insertions or deletions (indels) that may disrupt gene function

Question 18

Which of the following crops is NOT currently approved as a GMO food in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Wheat

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why blunt-end ligation is less efficient than sticky-end ligation?

Accepted Answer

Blunt ends lack complementary overhangs, making it harder for fragments to anneal before ligation.

Question 20

A patient with a genetic disorder receives a healthy copy of a gene to restore cell function. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy

Recombinant DNA Technology and Applications: GMOs, Tools, and Methods

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