Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences, producing fragments with sticky or blunt ends.

Question 2

A scientist wants to clone a eukaryotic gene that contains introns. Which method should be used to ensure the gene can be expressed in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Use complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesized from mature mRNA using reverse transcriptase.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key advantage of using *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* as a host for producing eukaryotic proteins?

Accepted Answer

It expresses eukaryotic genes easily and is easily grown.

Question 4

During blue-white screening, what does the appearance of white colonies on X-gal/ampicillin plates indicate?

Accepted Answer

The bacteria contain a recombinant plasmid with foreign DNA inserted into the lacZ gene.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

$$N = 2^n$$

Question 6

A researcher uses electroporation to introduce foreign DNA into bacterial cells. What is the primary mechanism by which this method works?

Accepted Answer

It applies an electrical current to create temporary pores in the cell membrane.

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world application of gene silencing using siRNA?

Accepted Answer

Preventing the expression of a disease-causing gene by degrading its mRNA.

Question 8

Why is the Ti plasmid from *Agrobacterium tumefaciens* particularly useful in plant genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It integrates into the plant genome, allowing stable introduction of foreign genes.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of Southern blotting?

Accepted Answer

It uses DNA probes to detect specific DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis.

Question 10

A forensic microbiologist is using DNA fingerprinting to track the source of a bacterial outbreak. Which step is essential for ensuring the validity of the evidence?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a chain of custody for all collected samples.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Who will have access to an individual's genetic information.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a restriction enzyme and its recognition sequence?

Accepted Answer

EcoRI: $$\mathrm{G^AATTC}$$

Question 13

A scientist is constructing a genomic library. What is the primary goal of this process?

Accepted Answer

To create a collection of clones containing all the genes from an organism.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why mRNA is used to make cDNA for cloning eukaryotic genes in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

mRNA contains only exons, so cDNA made from it lacks introns that bacteria cannot process.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of a product made using recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

Human insulin produced by genetically modified *E. coli*.

Question 16

Which of the following is a key feature of shuttle vectors used in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

They can replicate in multiple species, allowing movement of cloned genes between organisms.

Question 17

A plant is genetically modified to express the Bt toxin. What is the primary benefit of this modification?

Accepted Answer

The plant becomes resistant to insect pests.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of protoplast fusion in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

It involves removing cell walls from two bacteria, allowing them to fuse and exchange genetic material.

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between metagenomics and traditional genomics?

Accepted Answer

Metagenomics studies genetic material directly from environmental samples, while traditional genomics focuses on isolated organisms.

Biotechnology and DNA Technology: Microbiology Study Notes

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