Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of a vector in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

A vector is a self-replicating DNA molecule used to transport foreign DNA into a cell.

Question 2

A scientist wants to express a human gene in a yeast cell. Which host organism would be most appropriate and why?

Accepted Answer

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, because it is a eukaryote and can express eukaryotic genes easily.

Question 3

Which of the following methods is used to amplify a specific DNA sequence from a small initial sample, and what is the key enzyme involved?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); the key enzyme is DNA polymerase.

Question 4

A researcher uses a restriction enzyme to cut DNA, resulting in fragments with overhanging single-stranded ends. What are these ends called?

Accepted Answer

Sticky ends

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why methylated cytosines protect bacterial DNA from restriction enzyme digestion?

Accepted Answer

Methylation blocks the recognition sites of restriction enzymes, preventing cleavage.

Question 6

A laboratory is attempting to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells. Which method would be most effective for directly delivering DNA into these cells?

Accepted Answer

Gene gun

Question 7

Which of the following is a major advantage of using complementary DNA (cDNA) for cloning eukaryotic genes in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

cDNA is synthesized from mRNA and lacks introns, allowing expression in prokaryotes.

Question 8

A patient is being treated with a subunit vaccine produced by genetically modified yeast. Which application of DNA technology does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic application

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of protoplast fusion?

Accepted Answer

Fusing two bacteria together after removing their cell walls to combine their genetic material.

Question 10

A scientist is using Southern blotting to detect a specific gene in a DNA sample. Which sequence of steps is correct for this technique?

Accepted Answer

Digest DNA with restriction enzymes, separate fragments by gel electrophoresis, transfer to membrane, hybridize with labeled probe.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Suppressing a gene in tomatoes to delay ripening and extend shelf life.

Question 12

A researcher is using bioinformatics to analyze the function of a newly discovered gene. Which of the following best describes bioinformatics?

Accepted Answer

The use of computer-assisted analysis to understand gene function.

Question 13

Which of the following equations best 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 14

Which of the following is a key safety concern in the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Accidental release of GMOs into the environment.

Question 15

A scientist is using site-directed mutagenesis to change a single nucleotide in a gene. What is the primary purpose of this technique?

Accepted Answer

To make a targeted and specific change in a gene sequence.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of shuttle vectors in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

They move cloned DNA sequences among different types of organisms.

Question 17

A hospital is screening newborns for hundreds of genetic diseases using DNA technology. Which application does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing

Question 18

Which of the following is a limitation of using Escherichia coli as a host for producing human proteins?

Accepted Answer

It produces endotoxins and does not secrete the products.

Question 19

A pharmaceutical company is using nanospheres produced by bacteria to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. Which field of biotechnology does this application belong to?

Accepted Answer

Nanotechnology

Question 20

A researcher is using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to study gene expression. What is the initial template in this process, and which enzyme is required for the first step?

Accepted Answer

The initial template is mRNA, and the enzyme required is reverse transcriptase.

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Mini-Textbook Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards