- What is the role of a vector in genetic engineering?
a) To replicate proteins
b) To carry the gene of interest into the host cell
c) To induce mutations in DNA
d) To degrade RNA
Answer: b) To carry the gene of interest into the host cell
Explanation:
Vectors are DNA molecules, such as plasmids or viruses, that are used to carry the gene of interest into a host cell, where it can be expressed or replicated as part of the genetic engineering process.
- Which of the following is a feature of gene therapy?
a) Replacing defective genes in somatic cells
b) Introducing genes into germ cells
c) Silencing the expression of viral genes
d) Inserting foreign DNA into the mitochondrial genome
Answer: a) Replacing defective genes in somatic cells
Explanation:
Gene therapy typically involves replacing defective genes in somatic cells to correct genetic disorders. This technique has been used to treat conditions like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
- Which of the following is used to determine the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule?
a) PCR
b) DNA sequencing
c) Northern blotting
d) Transformation
Answer: b) DNA sequencing
Explanation:
DNA sequencing is the process used to determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. This technique is critical for genomics, evolutionary biology, and medical research.
- Which of the following is commonly used to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells?
a) Retrovirus
b) Gene gun
c) T4 bacteriophage
d) Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Answer: d) Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Explanation:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is commonly used to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells due to its ability to transfer its Ti plasmid, which integrates foreign genes into the plant genome.
- The Human Genome Project aimed to:
a) Map all the genes in the human genome
b) Clone the human genome
c) Create genetically modified humans
d) Eliminate all genetic diseases
Answer: a) Map all the genes in the human genome
Explanation:
The Human Genome Project was an international research effort aimed at sequencing and mapping all the genes in the human genome, providing a comprehensive understanding of human genetics.
- Which of the following is a technique for detecting specific proteins?
a) Southern blotting
b) Northern blotting
c) Western blotting
d) PCR
Answer: c) Western blotting
Explanation:
Western blotting is a technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample by separating them using gel electrophoresis and then transferring them to a membrane where they are probed with antibodies.
- Which of the following is a benefit of genetically modified (GM) crops?
a) Increased use of pesticides
b) Reduced crop yields
c) Resistance to herbicides
d) Increased susceptibility to diseases
Answer: c) Resistance to herbicides
Explanation:
GM crops can be engineered to be resistant to specific herbicides, allowing farmers to use these herbicides to control weeds without harming the crop.
- Which of the following processes is used to introduce DNA into animal cells?
a) Microinjection
b) Electrophoresis
c) Southern blotting
d) PCR
Answer: a) Microinjection
Explanation:
Microinjection involves directly injecting foreign DNA into the nucleus of an animal cell using a fine needle. This technique is commonly used in creating transgenic animals.
- What is the function of reverse transcriptase in genetic engineering?
a) To cut DNA at specific sites
b) To transcribe DNA into RNA
c) To reverse transcribe RNA into DNA
d) To ligate DNA fragments
Answer: c) To reverse transcribe RNA into DNA
Explanation:
Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template, which is useful in studying gene expression and creating cDNA libraries.
- Which of the following is an ethical concern related to genetic engineering?
a) Increased agricultural productivity
b) Creation of “designer” babies
c) Development of new medicines
d) Gene therapy for genetic disorders
Answer: b) Creation of “designer” babies
Explanation:
Ethical concerns in genetic engineering include the possibility of using the technology to create “designer” babies, where genes are modified for non-medical reasons such as physical traits or intelligence.
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