Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique?

Accepted Answer

To amplify a specific segment of DNA, generating millions of copies.

Question 2

During a standard PCR cycle, what is the correct order of the three main steps?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation, Annealing, Extension

Question 3

A scientist wants to clone the human insulin gene for expression in E. coli. Why must they use cDNA rather than genomic DNA?

Accepted Answer

cDNA contains only exons and no introns, allowing expression in bacteria.

Question 4

Which enzyme is essential for the extension step in PCR, and why is it specifically chosen?

Accepted Answer

Taq DNA polymerase, because it is heat-stable and can withstand high temperatures.

Question 5

In the context of COVID-19 testing, what is the role of reverse transcriptase in RT-PCR?

Accepted Answer

It converts viral RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) for amplification.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why restriction enzymes are crucial in gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing insertion of foreign genes into plasmids.

Question 7

A researcher is using gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments. What property of DNA allows fragments to be separated in this technique?

Accepted Answer

DNA fragments are negatively charged and move toward the positive electrode, with smaller fragments moving faster.

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary application of DNA microarray technology?

Accepted Answer

Comparing gene expression patterns between different cell types or conditions.

Question 9

What is the main advantage of using bacteria as host cells for gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

They reproduce rapidly and are cost-effective for producing large amounts of protein.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of ex vivo gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cells are removed from the patient, genetically modified outside the body, and then returned to the patient.

Question 11

Why is the use of 'engineered' plasmids important in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

They contain selectable markers and restriction sites, facilitating gene insertion and selection of transformed cells.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the Human Genome Project is correct?

Accepted Answer

It revealed that only about 1.5% of the human genome codes for proteins.

Question 13

A forensic scientist is analyzing a DNA sample using STRs and SNPs. What is the main reason for using these markers?

Accepted Answer

They provide unique genetic profiles for individual identification.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key difference between genomics and transcriptomics?

Accepted Answer

Genomics studies all genes present, while transcriptomics studies gene expression patterns.

Question 15

A patient is being considered for a new drug based on their genetic profile. Which field of biotechnology is most relevant to this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacogenomics

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential risk associated with the use of transgenic crops containing antibiotic resistance genes?

Accepted Answer

The resistance genes could be transferred to other plants or microbes, potentially spreading antibiotic resistance.

Question 17

In a DNA sequencing reaction using 'sequencing by synthesis,' what is detected to determine the sequence of nucleotides?

Accepted Answer

A flash of light produced when a nucleotide is incorporated and pyrophosphate (PPi) is released.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of bioinformatics in modern biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

It uses computational methods to store and analyze large-scale biological data.

Question 19

A researcher is using a DNA probe labeled with a fluorescent tag to identify colonies containing a gene of interest. What property of the probe allows it to specifically identify the correct colony?

Accepted Answer

Complementary base pairing between the probe and the target DNA sequence.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of comparative genomics?

Accepted Answer

Identifying genes in disease organisms to develop diagnostics and therapeutics.

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Principles and Applications

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