Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of CRISPR-Cas systems in prokaryotes, as illustrated in the first image?

Accepted Answer

To protect against viral infection by recognizing and cutting foreign DNA

Question 2

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template, and why is this process important in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase; it enables the cloning of eukaryotic genes in prokaryotes by removing introns

Question 3

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA sequence from a small sample. Which technique should they use, and what are the three main steps involved?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); denaturation, priming, extension

Question 4

Which of the following is a key advantage of using synthetic nucleic acids in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the creation of custom genes and probes for research and diagnostics

Question 5

In gel electrophoresis, what property of DNA fragments determines how far they migrate through the agarose gel?

Accepted Answer

Their size; smaller fragments migrate farther than larger ones

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a typical property of a vector used in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

It must be large and difficult to manipulate

Question 7

A researcher uses a DNA microarray (as shown in the second image) to compare gene expression in healthy and diseased tissue. What does a yellow spot on the microarray indicate?

Accepted Answer

A gene expressed equally in both healthy and diseased tissue

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Producing crops with increased resistance to herbicides by inserting genes from Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

cDNA is synthesized from mRNA and lacks introns, making it suitable for prokaryotic expression

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the ethical concern regarding the use of recombinant DNA technology for genetic screening?

Accepted Answer

It may lead to the routine correction of all genetic abnormalities, regardless of individual choice

Question 11

A patient’s blood sample is tested for the presence of a pathogen’s unique DNA sequence. Which recombinant DNA technology technique is most likely being used?

Accepted Answer

Genetic screening using DNA microarrays

Question 12

Which artificial method can be used to insert DNA into a cell by creating temporary pores in the cell membrane using an electric field?

Accepted Answer

Electroporation

Question 13

What is the main risk associated with the natural genetic transfer of genes from transgenic plants to other organisms?

Accepted Answer

It could trigger allergies or cause harmless organisms to become pathogenic

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 potential benefit of using CRISPR-Cas systems in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

They can inactivate or replace defective genes, potentially treating genetic diseases

Question 16

A scientist wants to identify all the microorganisms present in a soil sample. Which modern technique would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Next-generation sequencing to analyze the microbiome

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a subunit vaccine produced using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

A vaccine containing only a protein from a pathogen, produced in yeast cells

Question 18

Which of the following statements about restriction enzymes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA only at specific palindromic sequences called restriction sites

Question 19

Why is it important for vectors used in recombinant DNA technology to contain a recognizable genetic marker?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the vector can be easily identified and selected in host cells

Question 20

Which of the following is a possible ethical issue related to the use of recombinant DNA technology in humans?

Accepted Answer

Genetic privacy rights and the potential for forced correction of 'genetic abnormalities'

Recombinant DNA Technology: Tools, Techniques, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards