Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between biotechnology and recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology?

Accepted Answer

Biotechnology refers to the use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product, while rDNA technology specifically involves the insertion or modification of genes to produce desired proteins.

Question 2

A scientist wants to produce human insulin using bacteria. Which of the following steps is NOT required in this process?

Accepted Answer

Fusing the bacterial cell with a human cell to create a hybrid organism.

Question 3

Which property is NOT essential for a DNA vector used in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Being linear in structure to avoid destruction in the host cell.

Question 4

Restriction enzymes are crucial in rDNA technology because they:

Accepted Answer

Cut DNA at specific sequences, creating sticky or blunt ends for gene insertion.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains the purpose of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

To amplify small quantities of DNA, generating billions of copies for analysis.

Question 6

A researcher uses electroporation to introduce foreign DNA into bacterial cells. What is the main mechanism by which electroporation facilitates DNA uptake?

Accepted Answer

It applies an electrical current to form temporary pores in the cell membrane.

Question 7

Which of the following is a key advantage of using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) as a host for producing recombinant proteins?

Accepted Answer

It can continuously secrete the desired protein product.

Question 8

A genomic library is constructed by:

Accepted Answer

Digesting an organism’s DNA, inserting fragments into vectors, and introducing them into host cells.

Question 9

Why is complementary DNA (cDNA) often used to clone eukaryotic genes in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

cDNA is synthesized from mRNA, which lacks introns, allowing bacteria to express the gene product.

Question 10

In blue-white screening, what does the appearance of white colonies indicate?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria contain a recombinant plasmid with foreign DNA inserted into the lacZ gene.

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-world application of DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

Linking a pathogen to a contaminated food source in a forensic investigation.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in gene silencing?

Accepted Answer

siRNAs bind to mRNA, which is then degraded by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), preventing protein expression.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a method for inserting foreign DNA into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 14

A scientist wants to use Agrobacterium tumefaciens to introduce a gene into a plant. Which plasmid is used for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Ti plasmid

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the exponential amplification of DNA during PCR, where $$n is $$the number of cycles?

Accepted Answer

$$N = 2^n$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using E. coli as a host for producing recombinant proteins?

Accepted Answer

It produces endotoxins and does not secrete its protein products efficiently.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of site-directed mutagenesis?

Accepted Answer

A targeted and specific change is made in a gene sequence.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a therapeutic application of DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Using gene therapy to replace a defective gene in a patient.

Question 19

Which of the following terms refers to the computer-assisted analysis of DNA sequences to understand gene function?

Accepted Answer

Bioinformatics

Question 20

A scientist is using Southern blotting to detect a specific DNA sequence. Which of the following steps is NOT part of the Southern blotting procedure?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying the DNA using PCR before hybridization.

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Microbiology Study Guide

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard