Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between traditional and modern biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Traditional biotechnology involves selective breeding and fermentation, whereas modern biotechnology involves direct manipulation of DNA using techniques such as gene cloning and CRISPR.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a small segment of DNA from a crime scene. Which of the following components is NOT required for a successful Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes

Question 3

During PCR, why is a heat-stable DNA polymerase, such as Taq polymerase, essential?

Accepted Answer

It remains active after repeated heating cycles required to denature DNA strands.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains how gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments?

Accepted Answer

DNA fragments are separated by their size, with smaller fragments moving further through the gel toward the positive electrode.

Question 5

A forensic scientist is analyzing a DNA sample using Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Why are STRs particularly useful for individual identification?

Accepted Answer

The number of STR repeats varies greatly among individuals, creating unique DNA profiles.

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in creating a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Accepted Answer

Clone the gene, insert the gene into a plasmid, transfer the gene into the host organism

Question 7

A researcher uses a restriction enzyme to cut a plasmid and a gene of interest, then uses another enzyme to join them together. Which enzyme is responsible for sealing the DNA fragments?

Accepted Answer

Ligase

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It uses a guide RNA and the Cas9 enzyme to make targeted cuts in DNA, allowing precise gene editing.

Question 9

A patient with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is treated by removing white blood cells, infecting them with a virus carrying a functional gene, and returning them to the body. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy

Question 10

Which of the following is a potential environmental risk associated with the use of transgenic (GMO) crops?

Accepted Answer

Unintended spread of transgenic pollen to wild plant populations

Question 11

A scientist is using PCR to detect the presence of a specific genetic mutation. What role do primers play in this process?

Accepted Answer

They bind to complementary sequences on the target DNA, providing starting points for DNA synthesis.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a plasmid?

Accepted Answer

A small, circular, self-replicating DNA molecule found in bacteria

Question 13

In a real-world scenario, a farmer plants Bt corn, which expresses a protein toxic to certain insects but harmless to mammals. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Transgenic modification

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents 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

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

Question 15

A biotechnology company wants to produce human insulin using bacteria. Which process allows the human insulin gene to be expressed in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Transformation of bacteria with a plasmid containing the human insulin gene

Question 16

Which of the following is an ethical concern specifically related to genetic privacy?

Accepted Answer

The use of genetic information by insurance companies to deny coverage

Question 17

A laboratory technician uses gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA samples from a crime scene. If two samples show different banding patterns, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The samples are from different individuals.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes recombinant DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA that has been altered to contain genes from different sources or species

Question 19

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder using a DNA probe. What is the function of the DNA probe in this context?

Accepted Answer

To bind to a specific complementary DNA sequence, indicating the presence of a mutation

Question 20

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of gene therapy to prevent viral infection?

Accepted Answer

Altering the CCR5 receptor gene to prevent HIV from entering cells

Biotechnology and Its Applications: Study Guide

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard