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 two bacterial protoplasts to form a hybrid cell.

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

During the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), what is the purpose of heating the reaction to $$94^\circ C$$?

Accepted Answer

To denature the double-stranded DNA, separating it into single strands.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in the creation of recombinant DNA using restriction enzymes and ligase?

Accepted Answer

Cut vector and foreign DNA with the same restriction enzyme $$\rightarrow$$ Mix and allow sticky ends to base pair $$\rightarrow$$ Join fragments with DNA ligase

Question 7

A researcher uses blue-white screening to identify recombinant bacteria. What does a white colony indicate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which method would be most appropriate for introducing foreign DNA into a plant cell?

Accepted Answer

Gene gun

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

cDNA contains only exons, so it lacks introns that bacteria cannot process.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Question 11

A genomic library is constructed by:

Accepted Answer

Digesting an organism’s DNA and cloning the fragments into vectors.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It can continuously secrete eukaryotic proteins into the medium.

Question 13

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).

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of DNA technology in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of antibiotics by chemical means only

Question 15

What is the main purpose of Southern blotting in molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

To detect specific DNA sequences within a mixture of DNA fragments

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of agricultural biotechnology using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Bt corn expressing a bacterial toxin gene for insect resistance

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential problem associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Accepted Answer

Possible accidental release into the environment

Question 18

In DNA fingerprinting, why does PCR result in a unique pattern for each individual?

Accepted Answer

PCR amplifies variable regions of DNA, resulting in unique fragment patterns after electrophoresis.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in plant genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a vector to transfer foreign genes into plant genomes via the Ti plasmid.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Bioinformatics

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Microbiology Study Guide

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