Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They recognize specific DNA sequences and cut DNA at those sites, producing fragments.

Question 2

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and its Ti plasmid are primarily used in plant genetic engineering because:

Accepted Answer

Agrobacterium tumefaciens naturally transfers DNA into plant cells, allowing for stable genetic modification.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a property required for a vector used in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Ability to synthesize proteins autonomously outside the host cell.

Question 4

A cDNA library differs from a genomic library in that:

Accepted Answer

A cDNA library contains only coding sequences (exons) derived from mRNA, while a genomic library contains all DNA sequences, including introns and regulatory regions.

Question 5

Which instrument is essential for conducting the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Thermocycler

Question 6

During a PCR cycle, which step involves the annealing of primers to the template DNA, and at what temperature does this typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Annealing at $$50^{\circ}C$ - 65$$^{\circ}$$C$$

Question 7

The DNA polymerase used in PCR is derived from which organism?

Accepted Answer

Thermus aquaticus

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of site-directed mutagenesis?

Accepted Answer

Creating specific, targeted changes in a DNA sequence to alter gene function.

Question 9

In forensic microbiology, DNA fingerprinting is used to:

Accepted Answer

Match DNA samples from crime scenes to suspects by comparing restriction fragment patterns.

Question 10

Which technique is most suitable for introducing foreign DNA into animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Microinjection

Question 11

The lacZ and ampR genes are used in cloning experiments to:

Accepted Answer

Select for cells that have taken up the recombinant plasmid by conferring antibiotic resistance and allowing blue/white screening.

Question 12

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using bacterial cells to produce eukaryotic gene products?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial cells cannot perform post-translational modifications such as glycosylation.

Question 13

Which term refers to the study of all proteins expressed by a genome?

Accepted Answer

Proteomics

Question 14

The process of protoplasmic fusion is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Fusing two cells together after removing their cell walls to create a hybrid cell.

Question 15

Which of the following is a major ethical concern associated with recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Potential for creating genetically modified organisms that may impact ecosystems.

Question 16

The Human Genome Project aimed to:

Accepted Answer

Sequence and map all human genes to better understand genetic diseases.

Question 17

RNA interference (RNAi) and siRNA are used in gene silencing to:

Accepted Answer

Bind to mRNA and prevent translation, thereby reducing gene expression.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 19

In the production of recombinant insulin, which step is essential for ensuring the human insulin gene is expressed in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Inserting the human insulin gene into a bacterial plasmid vector with a suitable promoter.

Question 20

Shotgun sequencing is a method used to:

Accepted Answer

Sequence DNA by randomly breaking it into fragments and assembling the sequence computationally.

Biotechnology & Recombinant DNA Technology: Study Guide

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