Question 1

Which of the following best defines biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

The use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an 'ancient' biotechnology practice still used today?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation of milk to produce yogurt.

Question 3

Recombinant DNA technology is possible primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The genetic code is universal among all living organisms.

Question 4

In recombinant DNA technology, what is a vector?

Accepted Answer

A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into another cell.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about restriction enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They recognize specific DNA sequences and cut DNA at or near these sites.

Question 6

What is the difference between sticky ends and blunt ends produced by restriction enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Sticky ends have overhanging single-stranded DNA, while blunt ends are fully base-paired with no overhangs.

Question 7

What is the primary role of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

To join together DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Question 8

During transformation in bacteria, which of the following outcomes is possible?

Accepted Answer

The bacterium acquires new genetic traits from the introduced DNA.

Question 9

Which of the following correctly lists the steps of the PCR protocol in order?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation, annealing, extension

Question 10

What is the function of Taq polymerase in PCR?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to primers.

Question 11

During the denaturation step of PCR, what happens to the DNA?

Accepted Answer

The double-stranded DNA separates into single strands due to high temperature.

Question 12

Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on which property?

Accepted Answer

Size (length) of the DNA fragments

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a common use of PCR?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 14

Which method is NOT commonly used to introduce foreign DNA into a cell?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis

Question 15

Which organism is most commonly used for the production of human insulin using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli

Question 16

A major advantage of using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) over E. coli for producing recombinant proteins is:

Accepted Answer

Yeast can perform post-translational modifications similar to those in human cells.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Production of human growth hormone for patients with deficiency

Question 18

Which of the following is an agricultural application of recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Development of pest-resistant crops

Question 19

The Human Genome Project primarily aimed to:

Accepted Answer

Determine the complete sequence of human DNA.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes bioinformatics?

Accepted Answer

The application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data.

Question 21

Which of the following is a significant ethical concern related to recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Potential unintended consequences of releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment.

Chapter 9: Biotechnology & DNA Technology – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions