Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA molecules only at specific nucleotide sequences called restriction sites.

Question 2

Why is cDNA, rather than genomic DNA, often used for cloning eukaryotic genes into prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

cDNA contains only exons, so it lacks introns that prokaryotes cannot process.

Question 3

A scientist wants to insert a gene into a plasmid using EcoRI. Which property of EcoRI makes it suitable for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

EcoRI recognizes palindromic sequences and produces sticky ends.

Question 4

Which of the following is a critical component required for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

DNA primers

Question 5

What is the main advantage of using a thermocycler in PCR?

Accepted Answer

It allows for the automated cycling of temperatures required for denaturation, priming, and extension.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why PCR was not practical before the discovery of hyperthermophilic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerases from hyperthermophilic bacteria are stable at high temperatures required for PCR.

Question 7

A researcher uses gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments. Which statement best describes how DNA fragments are separated in this technique?

Accepted Answer

Fragments are separated based on their size, with smaller fragments migrating farther through the agarose gel.

Question 8

Which of the following is a real-world application of the Southern blot technique?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing infectious diseases by detecting specific DNA sequences

Question 9

Why are antibiotic resistance genes commonly included in plasmid vectors used in recombinant DNA experiments?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the selection of cells that have successfully taken up the plasmid by growing on antibiotic-containing media.

Question 10

A scientist wants to create a transgenic plant with increased salt tolerance. Which step is essential in ensuring the plant expresses the new trait?

Accepted Answer

Inserting a gene for salt tolerance into the plant genome using a suitable vector

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The possibility of creating biological weapons

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 13

A gene library is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A collection of bacterial or phage clones, each containing a different DNA fragment from an organism's genome.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation $$\rightarrow$$ Priming $$\rightarrow$$ Extension

Question 15

Which of the following is a reason why synthetic nucleic acids are important tools in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They can be used to create PCR primers and DNA probes for locating specific sequences.

Question 16

A patient is suspected of having a genetic disorder caused by a single nucleotide mutation. Which recombinant DNA technique would be most useful for confirming the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

DNA microarray analysis

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a genetically modified organism (GMO) created using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Rice engineered to produce $$\beta-$$carotene (Golden Rice)

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the role of DNA probes in selecting recombinant clones?

Accepted Answer

They hybridize with complementary DNA sequences to identify clones containing the gene of interest.

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential risk associated with the use of transgenic organisms in agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Natural genetic transfer could deliver transgenes to non-target organisms.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Electroporation

Recombinant DNA Technology: Tools, Techniques, and Applications

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