Q: In the context of recombinant DNA technology, which equation best represents the process of inserting a gene into a plasmid vector?

$$\text{Plasmid} + \text{Foreign Gene} \xrightarrow{\text{Ligase}} \text{Recombinant Plasmid}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best defines a plasmid in the context of bacterial genetics?

Accepted Answer

A circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that exists independently of the bacterial chromosome.

Question 2

The pGLO plasmid contains three key genes. Which gene is responsible for the production of green fluorescent protein (GFP)?

Accepted Answer

The gene encoding GFP.

Question 3

In the pGLO transformation lab, what is the function of the beta-lactamase gene present on the plasmid?

Accepted Answer

It confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin.

Question 4

Which environmental signal was used in the pGLO lab to induce expression of the GFP gene?

Accepted Answer

Presence of arabinose.

Question 5

What would you expect to observe on a plate containing LB agar and ampicillin, inoculated with pGLO – bacteria (bacteria without the plasmid)?

Accepted Answer

No bacterial growth due to lack of ampicillin resistance.

Question 6

If pGLO + bacteria are plated on LB agar containing both ampicillin and arabinose, what is the expected outcome?

Accepted Answer

Growth of colonies that fluoresce green under UV light.

Question 7

Which plates should be compared to determine if successful transformation has occurred in the pGLO lab?

Accepted Answer

LB/amp plate with pGLO – bacteria and LB/amp plate with pGLO + bacteria.

Question 8

Why is a control plate (LB agar with no antibiotics) used in the pGLO transformation experiment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the bacteria are capable of growing in the absence of selective pressure.

Question 9

In the context of recombinant DNA technology, which equation best represents the process of inserting a gene into a plasmid vector?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Plasmid} + 	ext{Foreign Gene} \xrightarrow{	ext{Ligase}} 	ext{Recombinant Plasmid}$$

Question 10

How does the pGLO lab relate to the production of insulin using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Both use plasmids to introduce foreign genes into bacteria for protein expression.

Question 11

A student observes that pGLO + bacteria grow on LB/amp plates but do not fluoresce. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

The arabinose was not present, so the GFP gene was not expressed.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes an environmental signal in the context of gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

A molecule or condition that triggers the expression of specific genes.

Question 13

If the transformation efficiency is calculated using the formula $$	ext{Transformation Efficiency} = \frac{	ext{Number of Colonies}}{	ext{Amount of DNA (\mu g)}}$$, what is the transformation efficiency if 50 colonies are observed and 0.01 $$\mu g of $$DNA was used?

Accepted Answer

$$5000$$

Question 14

Which scenario would best demonstrate the necessity of the arabinose operon regulator gene in the pGLO plasmid?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria express GFP only when arabinose is present.

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible reason for using ampicillin in the pGLO transformation experiment?

Accepted Answer

To select for bacteria that have successfully taken up the plasmid.

Question 16

A researcher wants to produce a human protein using bacteria. Which step is analogous to the pGLO transformation process?

Accepted Answer

Inserting the human gene into a plasmid and transforming bacteria with the recombinant plasmid.

Question 17

If a plate contains LB/amp/ara and is inoculated with pGLO – bacteria, what is the expected result?

Accepted Answer

No growth due to lack of ampicillin resistance.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why only transformed bacteria express GFP on LB/amp/ara plates?

Accepted Answer

Only bacteria with the pGLO plasmid have both ampicillin resistance and the GFP gene regulated by arabinose.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of the pGLO plasmid genes?

Accepted Answer

Enabling bacteria to metabolize lactose.

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