Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a restriction enzyme in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences, allowing for the insertion or removal of genes.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a small amount of viral DNA found in a patient's blood sample to detect the presence of a pathogen. Which technique should they use, and what is the key enzyme involved?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); DNA polymerase

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of PCR in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing proteins directly from DNA

Question 4

During the O.J. Simpson trial, DNA evidence was used to match blood found at the crime scene to the suspect. Which step was essential to ensure enough DNA was available for analysis?

Accepted Answer

Amplification of DNA using PCR

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why PCR is considered highly sensitive for detecting pathogens?

Accepted Answer

PCR can amplify even a single molecule of DNA, making it possible to detect very low levels of pathogens.

Question 6

A plasmid is most accurately described as:

Accepted Answer

A small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently within a bacterial cell.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 8

In a scenario where you want to produce human insulin using bacteria, which sequence of steps is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Isolate human insulin gene $\rightarrow$ insert into plasmid $\rightarrow$ transform bacteria $\rightarrow$ select for recombinant bacteria

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world example of a recombinant product produced using genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Human insulin produced in E. coli

Question 10

A forensic scientist is comparing DNA samples from a crime scene and a suspect. Which property of DNA allows for individual identification?

Accepted Answer

The unique sequence of nucleotides in non-coding regions

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

The uptake of foreign DNA from the environment into a bacterial cell

Question 12

A researcher wants to cut a gene out of a human chromosome and insert it into a bacterial plasmid. Which two enzymes are essential for this process?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme and DNA ligase

Question 13

Which of the following is a limitation of PCR in forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

PCR is highly sensitive to contamination, which can lead to false results.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why recombinant vaccines (such as hepatitis B) are considered safer than traditional vaccines?

Accepted Answer

They use only specific proteins from the pathogen, not the whole organism.

Question 15

A farmer wants to improve the disease resistance of his crops using biotechnology. Which approach is most likely to be used?

Accepted Answer

Inserting a gene for disease resistance into the plant genome using recombinant DNA technology

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

$N = 2^n$

Question 17

A laboratory technician is tasked with identifying an unknown bacterial pathogen in a patient sample. Which combination of techniques would provide the most rapid and specific identification?

Accepted Answer

PCR amplification of pathogen-specific DNA sequences followed by gel electrophoresis

Question 18

Which of the following is a key reason why DNA evidence must be carefully handled in forensic cases?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contamination that could lead to false matches or exclusions

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using recombinant DNA technology in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Creation of plants that require more pesticide use

Question 20

A patient is given a recombinant protein to treat a hormone deficiency. Which process was most likely used to produce this protein?

Accepted Answer

Insertion of the human gene into a bacterial plasmid, followed by expression in bacteria

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in Microbiology ~ Chp 9

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