Question 1

A scientist wants to express a human gene in E. coli, but the gene contains multiple introns. Which molecular technique should be used to ensure successful protein expression?

Accepted Answer

Generate cDNA from mRNA using reverse transcriptase

Question 2

During a cloning experiment, a researcher uses a restriction enzyme that produces sticky ends on both the vector and the foreign DNA. What is the primary advantage of sticky ends in this process?

Accepted Answer

They allow complementary base pairing, increasing ligation efficiency

Question 3

A diagnostic laboratory needs to detect an RNA virus in patient samples. Which modification of PCR should be used, and what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Reverse-transcription PCR; conversion of RNA to cDNA

Question 4

A researcher attempts to ligate a foreign DNA fragment with blunt ends into a plasmid vector cut with a restriction enzyme that produces sticky ends. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Ligation efficiency will be significantly reduced

Question 5

Which property is essential for a vector used in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Self-replication capability

Question 6

A biotechnology company wants to produce a human glycoprotein that requires post-translational modification. Which host cell would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Mammalian cells

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Foreign DNA has been inserted, disrupting lacZ

Question 8

A researcher wants to determine whether a patient carries a specific gene mutation without sequencing the entire genome. Which method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Southern blotting with a labeled probe

Question 9

Which scenario best demonstrates reverse genetics?

Accepted Answer

Starting with a known DNA sequence and determining its function

Question 10

A plant is genetically modified using the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium. What is the advantage of this system?

Accepted Answer

It naturally integrates DNA into plant chromosomes

Question 11

A pharmaceutical company wants to mass-produce insulin cheaply and quickly. Which host is most economically efficient?

Accepted Answer

E. coli

Question 12

A researcher designs a synthetic gene in vitro. What prerequisite information is essential before synthesis?

Accepted Answer

The exact nucleotide sequence

Question 13

Which step in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) involves the separation of DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation at $$94^\circC$$

Question 14

A genomic library differs from a cDNA library because a genomic library:

Accepted Answer

Contains introns and noncoding regions

Question 15

A mutation in a bacterial restriction enzyme eliminates its ability to recognize specific DNA sequences. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to bacteriophage infection

Question 16

In RNA interference (RNAi), what is the ultimate effect of introducing siRNA into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Degradation of target mRNA

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 18

A researcher inserts a recombinant plasmid into bacteria, but most cells fail to grow on ampicillin plates. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Transformation efficiency was low

Question 19

Which of the following is a major ethical concern regarding genome projects?

Accepted Answer

Access to genetic information and privacy

Question 20

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA sequence from a small environmental sample. Which technique is most appropriate, and what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

PCR; denaturation of DNA strands

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Study Guide (Chapter 9)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards