Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of biotechnology as outlined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

The use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make products such as foods, antibiotics, vitamins, and enzymes.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a natural mechanism for genetic recombination in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 3

A researcher wants to produce human insulin using bacteria. Which of the following steps is essential in this process?

Accepted Answer

Inserting the human insulin gene into a bacterial plasmid vector

Question 4

Which of the following statements about restriction enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They recognize specific sequences of nucleotide bases in DNA and cut them in the same way every time.

Question 5

Why are plasmids considered ideal vectors for gene cloning in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They are self-replicating and can carry marker genes for easy selection.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why human growth hormone (hGH) produced by genetically engineered E. coli is preferred over traditional methods?

Accepted Answer

It is cost-effective, faster, and avoids the risk of transmitting neurological diseases.

Question 7

A scientist uses a restriction enzyme to cut both a plasmid and a foreign DNA fragment. What is the main advantage of using the same restriction enzyme for both?

Accepted Answer

It creates complementary sticky ends that facilitate the insertion of the foreign DNA into the plasmid.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key feature of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

It amplifies a specific DNA segment to detectable levels in a few hours.

Question 9

A gene library is constructed by:

Accepted Answer

Storing pieces of an entire genome in plasmids or phages.

Question 10

Which of the following techniques involves using electrical current to introduce DNA into a cell by forming microscopic pores in the membrane?

Accepted Answer

Electroporation

Question 11

Why is cDNA (complementary DNA) often used when cloning eukaryotic genes into bacteria?

Accepted Answer

cDNA lacks introns, making it possible for bacteria to express the gene product.

Question 12

In the blue-white screening method for identifying recombinant bacteria, what does a white colony indicate?

Accepted Answer

The bacterium contains a plasmid with foreign DNA inserted into the lacZ gene.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant DNA technology mentioned in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Production of hepatitis vaccines in yeast.

Question 14

Which of the following is a potential safety or ethical issue associated with genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Who will have access to an individual's genetic information?

Question 15

A scientist wants to insert DNA directly into an animal cell's nucleus. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Microinjection

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in gene silencing?

Accepted Answer

They bind to mRNA, leading to its destruction by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).

Question 17

Which of the following is a multi-step process that integrates several genetic engineering concepts?

Accepted Answer

Cutting a plasmid and foreign DNA with the same restriction enzyme, ligating the DNA fragments, transforming bacteria, and selecting for antibiotic resistance.

Question 18

Which of the following is a reason why viral vectors are sometimes preferred over plasmids for gene therapy in humans?

Accepted Answer

Viruses can accept larger pieces of foreign DNA and efficiently deliver them to human cells.

Question 19

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 20

A plant biotechnologist uses a gene gun to introduce a gene into plant cells. What is the main advantage of this technique?

Accepted Answer

It allows direct delivery of DNA into plant cells, even those with tough cell walls.

Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA: Microbiology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards