Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why viruses are considered 'borrowed life'?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require a host cell to reproduce and carry out metabolic processes.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new virus with a genome consisting of a single circular molecule of RNA. How would this virus be classified?

Accepted Answer

As a single-stranded RNA virus

Question 3

Which structure allows some viruses to enter host cells by fusing with the host membrane?

Accepted Answer

Viral envelope

Question 4

Bacteriophages are unique among viruses because they:

Accepted Answer

Have an elongated capsid head and a protein tail for injecting DNA

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage?

Accepted Answer

The phage replicates and lyses the host cell, releasing new phages.

Question 6

What is the main difference between a prophage and a provirus?

Accepted Answer

A provirus is integrated into the host genome and remains permanently, while a prophage can exit the genome.

Question 7

Which enzyme is essential for the replication of retroviruses such as HIV, and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase; synthesizes DNA from an RNA template

Question 8

A viral infection causes the release of hydrolytic enzymes from lysosomes in animal cells. What is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The cell will undergo apoptosis or necrosis due to self-digestion.

Question 9

Which of the following is a reason why RNA viruses tend to evolve more rapidly than DNA viruses?

Accepted Answer

RNA viruses have higher mutation rates because their replication lacks proofreading.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes how vaccines protect against viral diseases?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines stimulate the immune system by introducing harmless derivatives or antigens of the pathogen.

Question 11

A plant breeder wants to create a genetically modified crop that is resistant to insect pests. Which biotechnology technique would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Gene cloning and insertion of an insect-resistance gene

Question 12

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Translation of mRNA into protein

Question 13

Why is Taq polymerase used in PCR instead of a typical DNA polymerase?

Accepted Answer

Taq polymerase is heat-stable and can withstand the high temperatures used in PCR.

Question 14

A forensic scientist analyzes DNA from a crime scene using short tandem repeats (STRs). Which two techniques are essential for this process?

Accepted Answer

PCR and gel electrophoresis

Question 15

Which of the following is a potential environmental concern associated with genetically modified (GM) crops?

Accepted Answer

GM crops may transfer genes to wild plants, creating 'super weeds'.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, creating sticky ends for ligation.

Question 17

A patient is diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease caused by prions. Which of the following statements is TRUE about prions?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that are incorrectly folded.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

$$N = 2^n$$

Question 19

A scientist wants to produce human insulin using bacteria. Which sequence of steps is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Insert the human insulin gene into a plasmid, introduce the plasmid into bacteria, and allow the bacteria to express the gene.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of biotechnology for environmental cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Engineering microorganisms to degrade toxic waste materials

Viruses and Biotechnology: Structure, Replication, Disease, and Applications

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