- Which of the following is an example of a genetically engineered product?
a) Natural penicillin
b) Bt corn
c) Yeast extract
d) Vinegar
Answer: b) Bt corn
Explanation: Bt corn is a genetically modified crop that expresses Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, making it resistant to specific insect pests like the European corn borer.
- Which enzyme is used to cut DNA at specific sites?
a) Ligase
b) Polymerase
c) Restriction enzyme
d) Helicase
Answer: c) Restriction enzyme
Explanation: Restriction enzymes, also known as molecular scissors, cut DNA at specific recognition sequences. These enzymes are essential tools in genetic engineering for manipulating DNA.
- Somatic gene therapy refers to the modification of:
a) Reproductive cells
b) Somatic cells
c) Germline cells
d) Embryos
Answer: b) Somatic cells
Explanation: Somatic gene therapy involves altering the genes in the somatic (non-reproductive) cells of an individual. This therapy is used to treat genetic disorders without passing the modifications to offspring, unlike germline gene therapy.
- A biological control agent for mosquito larvae is:
a) Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
b) Escherichia coli
c) Penicillium notatum
d) Rhizobium
Answer: a) Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
Explanation: Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produces toxins that are specifically lethal to mosquito larvae. This bio-control agent is used in water bodies to control mosquito populations, thus helping in the prevention of diseases like malaria and dengue.
- The main principle behind the use of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is:
a) DNA denaturation
b) DNA amplification
c) Protein synthesis
d) RNA transcription
Answer: b) DNA amplification
Explanation: PCR is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, generating millions of copies of the target DNA. This process is fundamental in diagnostics, cloning, and genetic analysis.
- Which of the following is NOT a component of PCR?
a) Primers
b) dNTPs
c) RNA polymerase
d) Taq polymerase
Answer: c) RNA polymerase
Explanation: PCR uses DNA primers, dNTPs (deoxynucleoside triphosphates), and Taq polymerase (a heat-resistant DNA polymerase). RNA polymerase is used in transcription (synthesis of RNA from DNA) and is not a component of PCR.
- Transgenic animals are primarily used for:
a) Vaccine development
b) Gene therapy
c) Studying diseases and drug testing
d) Nitrogen fixation
Answer: c) Studying diseases and drug testing
Explanation: Transgenic animals, which have foreign genes introduced into their genomes, are used to study the progression of diseases and to test new drugs. This helps researchers understand the role of specific genes in disease mechanisms and treatment.
- Which of the following diseases can be treated using gene therapy?
a) Malaria
b) Cystic fibrosis
c) Typhoid
d) Influenza
Answer: b) Cystic fibrosis
Explanation: Gene therapy holds promise for treating genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis by introducing functional copies of the defective gene into the patient’s cells. Other diseases, like malaria, typhoid, and influenza, are caused by pathogens and are treated with drugs or vaccines.
- Which organism is most commonly used in the production of bioethanol?
a) Saccharomyces cerevisiae
b) Escherichia coli
c) Rhizobium
d) Penicillium chrysogenum
Answer: a) Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Explanation: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker’s yeast, is used in bioethanol production. It ferments sugars into ethanol, making it a key organism in the biofuel industry.
- Gene therapy involves:
a) Inserting foreign DNA into germ cells
b) Replacing defective genes with functional ones
c) Preventing mutations in genes
d) Enhancing protein synthesis in the body
Answer: b) Replacing defective genes with functional ones
Explanation: Gene therapy is a technique that involves correcting defective genes responsible for disease development by introducing functional genes into the patient’s cells. This approach has potential for treating genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia.
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