Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of restriction endonucleases in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences, producing fragments with sticky or blunt ends.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a single gene from a small sample of DNA. Which technique should they use, and what is the key enzyme involved?

Accepted Answer

PCR; Taq polymerase

Question 3

During PCR, why is Taq polymerase preferred over other DNA polymerases?

Accepted Answer

It is resistant to high temperatures used during denaturation.

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in whole-genome shotgun sequencing?

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation, cloning into vectors, sequencing, assembly of contigs

Question 5

A patient with type A hemophilia requires replacement of a blood-clotting factor. Which recombinant product is used for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Factor VIII

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 7

A gene probe is used in a nucleic acid hybridization test. What is the main purpose of the probe?

Accepted Answer

To bind to a complementary DNA sequence and allow visualization of hybridization

Question 8

Which of the following statements about CRISPR-Cas9 is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is a naturally occurring gene editing system in bacteria.

Question 9

In gel electrophoresis, what determines the rate at which DNA fragments move through the gel?

Accepted Answer

The size of the DNA fragments

Question 10

Which of the following is a plausible risk associated with genetically modified plants?

Accepted Answer

They may transfer resistance genes to wild plants, creating 'superweeds'.

Question 11

A scientist wants to produce a protein from a human gene in bacteria. Which steps are required for this process?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the gene, insert it into a plasmid vector, transform bacteria, and allow expression of the protein

Question 12

Which of the following best describes somatic cell gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Genes are inserted into somatic cells, making the change permanent for the individual but not heritable.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of DNA microarray analysis?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying DNA fragments for cloning

Question 14

A DNA sample from a crime scene is compared to a suspect's DNA using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). What is the principle behind this technique?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sites, and differences in fragment lengths indicate genetic variation.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of miRNA in medicine?

Accepted Answer

miRNAs can be used to silence or inhibit gene expression, potentially blocking tumor growth.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of a cloning vector?

Accepted Answer

A plasmid or virus used to carry a gene into a host organism for expression

Question 17

Which of the following statements about germline gene therapy is correct?

Accepted Answer

It involves inserting genes into eggs, sperm, or embryos, making the change heritable.

Question 18

A researcher uses reverse transcriptase to synthesize cDNA from mRNA. What is the main advantage of using cDNA in gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

cDNA lacks introns, allowing for proper expression in prokaryotic hosts.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant microbes?

Accepted Answer

Genetically altering Pseudomonas syringae to prevent ice crystal formation on crops

Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications in Microbiology

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