Question 1

Which of the following best describes biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What is a clone in the context of microbiology?

Accepted Answer

A population of cells arising from a single parent cell.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key benefit of recombinant DNA technology in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Production of human growth hormone (hGH) by genetically engineered E. coli, making it safer and more cost-effective than extraction from human pituitary glands.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 5

Restriction enzymes are crucial in genetic engineering because they:

Accepted Answer

Recognize and cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences, often producing sticky ends.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a method for inserting DNA into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation

Question 7

Why are plasmids commonly used as vectors in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

They are self-replicating, can carry marker genes, and are easily manipulated.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is correct?

Accepted Answer

PCR can amplify a specific DNA segment to billions of copies in a few hours using thermal cycling and Taq polymerase.

Question 9

A scientist wants to insert a gene into a plant cell. Which technique would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Gene gun

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why cDNA is used for expressing eukaryotic genes in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

cDNA is synthesized from mRNA and lacks introns, allowing bacteria to express the gene product.

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-world application of site-directed mutagenesis?

Accepted Answer

Altering a specific DNA sequence to change an amino acid in an enzyme, improving its industrial efficiency.

Question 12

What is the main function of shuttle vectors in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

To transfer cloned DNA sequences between different species such as bacteria, fungi, and plants.

Question 13

Which of the following is a safety or ethical concern related to biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

A researcher uses electroporation to introduce DNA into a cell. What is the first step required if the cell has a cell wall?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatically remove the cell wall to create a protoplast.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of restriction enzymes in the formation of recombinant DNA?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, creating sticky ends that facilitate the joining of DNA from different sources.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in a typical genetic engineering procedure?

Accepted Answer

Isolate vector → Cut DNA with restriction enzyme → Insert gene into vector → Transform host cell → Select and clone cells with gene of interest

Question 17

Which of the following is a therapeutic application of recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Production of subunit vaccines such as the hepatitis B vaccine in yeast.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about gene libraries is correct?

Accepted Answer

Gene libraries are collections of DNA fragments representing an entire genome, stored in vectors such as plasmids or phages.

Question 19

A scientist wants to silence a specific gene in a cell. Which technique would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

RNA interference (RNAi) using siRNA to target and degrade mRNA.

Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA: Tools and Applications in Microbiology

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