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' in recombinant DNA technology, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme; cuts DNA at specific recognition sites.

Question 3

A researcher 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 X-rays to induce random mutations.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

CRISPR/Cas9 requires a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 nuclease to a specific DNA sequence.

Question 5

Which repair mechanism is more precise for inserting a new DNA sequence after a double-strand break: Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or Homology Directed Repair (HDR)? Why?

Accepted Answer

HDR, because it uses a donor template for precise DNA repair with fewer errors.

Question 6

A scientist is using blue-white screening to identify bacteria that have successfully taken up a recombinant plasmid. Which result indicates a successful recombinant colony?

Accepted Answer

White colonies, because the insertion of foreign DNA disrupts the lacZ gene.

Question 7

Which of the following is a key advantage of using bacterial plasmid vectors in gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

They contain selectable markers and can autonomously replicate within host cells.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why restriction enzyme recognition sites are often palindromic?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes recognize and bind to palindromic sequences, allowing them to cut both DNA strands at the same position.

Question 9

A patient with type 1 diabetes is prescribed recombinant human insulin. Which organism is most commonly used to produce this insulin on an industrial scale?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Question 10

Which of the following is a limitation of conventional transgenic plant technology that genome-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 aim to overcome?

Accepted Answer

Random insertion of transgenes, leading to unpredictable expression and low efficiency.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It joins together DNA fragments by forming covalent phosphodiester bonds.

Question 12

A researcher wants to amplify a specific DNA segment from a small sample. Which technique should they use, and what is the basic principle?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); exponentially amplifies DNA using cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Producing insect-resistant cotton by introducing Bt toxin genes.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key 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 15

Which of the following best describes the principle of gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

DNA fragments are separated based on their size and charge as they migrate through a gel matrix.

Question 16

A scientist is using Sanger sequencing to determine the sequence of a DNA fragment. What is the role of dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) in this process?

Accepted Answer

They terminate DNA chain elongation by lacking a 3'-OH group.

Question 17

Which of the following is a major ethical concern regarding the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in human embryos?

Accepted Answer

The potential for off-target effects and unknown long-term consequences.

Question 18

Which of the following vectors would be most suitable for cloning a 200 kb fragment of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)

Question 19

A COVID-19 diagnostic test uses RT-qPCR. What does the 'q' in RT-qPCR stand for, and what does it measure?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative; it measures the amount of DNA or RNA present in real time.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct equation for the exponential amplification of DNA during PCR, where $$n is $$the number of cycles and $$N_0 is $$the initial number of DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

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

Recombinant DNA Technology and Applications: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards