Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of restriction enzymes in nature?

Accepted Answer

They cut phage DNA to protect bacteria from viral infection.

Question 2

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA sequence from a sample. Which of the following steps is NOT part of the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle?

Accepted Answer

Using restriction enzymes to cut the DNA at specific sites.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why Taq polymerase is commonly used in PCR?

Accepted Answer

It is resistant to high temperatures required for DNA denaturation.

Question 4

A researcher is using a labeled nucleic acid probe to detect a specific DNA sequence on a membrane after gel electrophoresis. Which technique is being used?

Accepted Answer

Southern blot

Question 5

Which of the following statements about sticky ends and blunt ends generated by restriction enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Blunt ends can only bind to other blunt ends non-specifically.

Question 6

A laboratory is developing a subunit vaccine using recombinant DNA technology. Which of the following best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Inserting a gene from the pathogen into a vector to produce a specific protein for immunization.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in a standard PCR cycle?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation at $$94\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$, annealing at $$65\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$, extension at $$72\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$

Question 8

A scientist wants to introduce foreign DNA into a plant cell. Which method involves firing tiny metal beads coated with DNA into the target cell?

Accepted Answer

Gene gun

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using antisense nucleic acid molecules in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

To bind and interfere with the expression of specific genes or mRNA molecules.

Question 10

A researcher is using FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) to study a microbial community. What is the main advantage of this technique?

Accepted Answer

It enables visualization of the location of specific microbial species within a sample.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between Southern blot and Northern blot techniques?

Accepted Answer

Southern blot detects DNA, while Northern blot detects RNA.

Question 12

During the process of making bacterial cells competent for transformation, which method is commonly used to facilitate DNA uptake?

Accepted Answer

Heat shock

Question 13

A scientist is designing a DNA probe to detect a gene of interest. Which of the following is essential for the probe to function correctly?

Accepted Answer

Both a labeled chemical and a complementary sequence are required.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of agarose in gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the matrix through which DNA fragments migrate.

Question 15

A plant geneticist wants to combine the genomes of two different plant species. Which technique is most appropriate for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Protoplast fusion

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct application of quantitative PCR (qPCR)?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the number of DNA or RNA molecules of interest in a sample.

Question 17

A researcher is attempting to synthesize a gene for a specific protein. Which of the following steps is most critical in this process?

Accepted Answer

Determining the amino acid sequence of the protein and using the genetic code to deduce the gene sequence.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a protoplast?

Accepted Answer

A cell that has had its cell wall enzymatically removed.

Question 19

A medical laboratory is using a DNA probe labeled with a fluorescent dye to detect the presence of a pathogen in a patient sample. Which of the following best explains how this probe works?

Accepted Answer

The probe hybridizes specifically to the complementary sequence of the pathogen's DNA, allowing detection.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of recombinant DNA technology in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Producing human insulin using genetically modified bacteria.

Recombinant DNA Technology: Key Concepts and Applications

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