Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a restriction enzyme in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences, producing fragments with sticky or blunt ends.

Question 2

A researcher wants to clone a eukaryotic gene that contains introns into a bacterial plasmid. Which method should be used to ensure the gene can be expressed in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Use reverse transcriptase to synthesize cDNA from the gene's mRNA, then clone the cDNA.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key property of plasmids that makes them useful as vectors in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

They are small, circular DNA molecules capable of autonomous replication.

Question 4

In blue-white screening, what does the appearance of white colonies on an agar plate containing X-gal and ampicillin indicate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which enzyme is responsible for covalently joining DNA fragments during the creation of recombinant DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 6

A scientist is using PCR to amplify a segment of DNA. Which of the following steps occurs at 94°C?

Accepted Answer

DNA strands are denatured (separated).

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why Taq DNA polymerase is used in PCR?

Accepted Answer

It is derived from a thermophilic bacterium and remains active at high temperatures.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a natural method for DNA transfer between cells?

Accepted Answer

Electroporation

Question 9

A gene library is constructed by:

Accepted Answer

Cutting an entire genome with restriction enzymes and cloning the fragments into vectors.

Question 10

Which of the following restriction enzymes would you use to cut a DNA molecule into the fewest fragments, assuming random sequence distribution?

Accepted Answer

Not I (recognizes an 8-base sequence)

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Production of human insulin in genetically modified E. coli

Question 12

Which of the following statements about CRISPR-Cas9 is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It uses guide RNAs to direct the Cas9 nuclease to specific DNA sequences for editing.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Southern blotting?

Accepted Answer

To locate a specific DNA sequence within a complex mixture

Question 14

A forensic scientist is comparing DNA samples from a crime scene and a suspect using RFLP analysis. What is the first step in this process?

Accepted Answer

Cut the DNA with restriction enzymes

Question 15

Which of the following is a major ethical concern associated with the use of genetic engineering in humans?

Accepted Answer

The potential for discrimination based on genetic information

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why genetically engineered E. coli must be carefully monitored when producing pharmaceuticals for human use?

Accepted Answer

E. coli produces endotoxins that could contaminate the product.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation at 94°C, annealing at 60°C, extension at 72°C

Question 18

Which of the following is a practical agricultural application of recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Engineering corn to express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin for insect resistance

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of a DNA probe in colony hybridization?

Accepted Answer

It binds to a complementary DNA sequence to identify clones carrying a gene of interest.

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Principles and Applications

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