MCQ 61:
Which of the following describes the role of a terminator in gene expression?
A) To initiate transcription
B) To terminate transcription
C) To enhance translation
D) To stabilize mRNA
Answer: B) To terminate transcription
Explanation: A terminator is a sequence in DNA that signals the end of transcription, causing RNA polymerase to detach and release the newly synthesized RNA.
MCQ 62:
What is the main advantage of using yeast as a host organism in biotechnology?
A) They have a simple genetic structure.
B) They can perform post-translational modifications.
C) They grow very slowly.
D) They do not replicate DNA.
Answer: B) They can perform post-translational modifications.
Explanation: Yeast can perform post-translational modifications similar to higher eukaryotes, making them suitable for producing complex proteins.
MCQ 63:
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using genetically modified crops?
A) Increased resistance to pests
B) Reduced agricultural yield
C) Potential allergenicity
D) Enhanced nutritional value
Answer: C) Potential allergenicity
Explanation: Genetically modified crops may introduce new allergens, raising concerns about food safety and human health.
MCQ 64:
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription?
A) DNA polymerase
B) RNA polymerase
C) Ligase
D) Helicase
Answer: B) RNA polymerase
Explanation: RNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes RNA by transcribing the DNA template during the process of transcription.
MCQ 65:
What does “knockout” refer to in genetic engineering?
A) Inserting a new gene into an organism
B) Deleting or inactivating a specific gene
C) Amplifying a specific DNA sequence
D) Introducing a plasmid into a cell
Answer: B) Deleting or inactivating a specific gene
Explanation: A knockout involves the intentional inactivation of a specific gene to study its function and effects on the organism.
MCQ 66:
Which method is used to isolate and analyze RNA?
A) Western blotting
B) Northern blotting
C) Southern blotting
D) DNA sequencing
Answer: B) Northern blotting
Explanation: Northern blotting is a technique used to detect specific RNA sequences in a sample after separation by gel electrophoresis.
MCQ 67:
What is a key feature of RNA interference (RNAi)?
A) It amplifies specific mRNA.
B) It degrades specific mRNA to silence genes.
C) It repairs damaged DNA.
D) It enhances gene expression.
Answer: B) It degrades specific mRNA to silence genes.
Explanation: RNA interference is a biological process where small RNA molecules bind to mRNA and promote its degradation, thus silencing the expression of specific genes.
MCQ 68:
What is the role of ligase in molecular biology?
A) To unwind DNA
B) To join DNA fragments together
C) To replicate DNA
D) To degrade RNA
Answer: B) To join DNA fragments together
Explanation: Ligase is an enzyme that connects DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds, essential in cloning and DNA repair.
MCQ 69:
Which of the following techniques can be used to measure gene expression levels?
A) PCR
B) Western blotting
C) Microarray analysis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Techniques such as PCR, Western blotting, and microarray analysis can all be used to measure and analyze gene expression levels.
MCQ 70:
What is the primary purpose of a biosensor?
A) To produce antibiotics
B) To detect biological molecules
C) To clone DNA
D) To amplify RNA
Answer: B) To detect biological molecules
Explanation: Biosensors are analytical devices that convert a biological response into an electrical signal, used for detecting specific biological molecules.
MCQ 71:
What does “synthetic biology” involve?
A) Cloning of organisms
B) Designing and constructing new biological parts and systems
C) Using natural selection to breed organisms
D) Manipulating existing genetic material without design
Answer: B) Designing and constructing new biological parts and systems
Explanation: Synthetic biology is a field focused on designing and building new biological systems and organisms using engineering principles.
MCQ 72:
Which of the following best describes the process of “genome editing”?
A) Introducing mutations randomly into a genome
B) Precise alterations to a specific DNA sequence
C) Cloning an entire organism
D) Sequencing an entire genome
Answer: B) Precise alterations to a specific DNA sequence
Explanation: Genome editing refers to methods that enable specific modifications to the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
MCQ 73:
What is the main goal of agricultural biotechnology?
A) To create biofuels
B) To enhance crop yield and resistance
C) To produce pharmaceuticals
D) To study environmental changes
Answer: B) To enhance crop yield and resistance
Explanation: Agricultural biotechnology focuses on improving crop performance and resistance to pests and diseases through genetic modification and other techniques.
MCQ 74:
What does the term “bioprospecting” refer to?
A) The development of new drugs from synthetic compounds
B) Searching for new biological resources for useful products
C) The analysis of existing biological data
D) The engineering of new organisms
Answer: B) Searching for new biological resources for useful products
Explanation: Bioprospecting involves exploring and utilizing biodiversity for potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
MCQ 75:
Which of the following technologies uses fluorescent dyes to visualize gene expression?
A) PCR
B) DNA microarray
C) Southern blotting
D) Cloning
Answer: B) DNA microarray
Explanation: DNA microarray technology uses fluorescent dyes to detect and measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously.
MCQ 76:
What is a common method for introducing foreign DNA into animal cells?
A) Electroporation
B) Microinjection
C) Liposome-mediated transfer
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Various methods, including electroporation, microinjection, and liposome-mediated transfer, can be used to introduce foreign DNA into animal cells.
MCQ 77:
What type of organism is commonly used in the production of insulin?
A) Plants
B) Bacteria
C) Fungi
D) Animals
Answer: B) Bacteria
Explanation: Genetically modified bacteria, particularly E. coli, are commonly used to produce insulin for diabetes treatment.
MCQ 78:
Which of the following processes involves the conversion of glucose into ethanol?
A) Fermentation
B) Respiration
C) Photosynthesis
D) Transpiration
Answer: A) Fermentation
Explanation: Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugars, like glucose, into ethanol and carbon dioxide, commonly used in biofuel production.
MCQ 79:
Which type of genetic variation can occur due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)?
A) Structural changes in chromosomes
B) Alterations in single base pairs
C) Whole gene duplications
D) Changes in chromosomal number
Answer: B) Alterations in single base pairs
Explanation: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are variations at a single nucleotide position in the DNA sequence among individuals, contributing to genetic diversity.
MCQ 80:
What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Packaging and modifying proteins
C) Energy production
D) DNA replication
Answer: B) Packaging and modifying proteins
Explanation: The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
MCQ 81:
Which of the following is a major ethical concern regarding genetic engineering?
A) Improved crop yields
B) Potential long-term effects on ecosystems
C) Increased food security
D) Enhanced nutritional content
Answer: B) Potential long-term effects on ecosystems
Explanation: Ethical concerns about genetic engineering often focus on potential unintended consequences and long-term impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
MCQ 82:
What is the purpose of using controls in experimental design?
A) To increase variability
B) To serve as a baseline for comparison
C) To manipulate the outcomes
D) To limit data collection
Answer: B) To serve as a baseline for comparison
Explanation: Controls are used in experiments to provide a standard for comparison, helping to ensure that the results are valid and reliable.
MCQ 83:
What role do chaperone proteins play in the cell?
A) They degrade misfolded proteins.
B) They assist in protein folding.
C) They transport proteins across membranes.
D) They synthesize DNA.
Answer: B) They assist in protein folding.
MCQ 84:
Which of the following is a common method for creating transgenic plants?
A) CRISPR-Cas9
B) Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
C) Microinjection
D) All of the above
Answer: B) Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Explanation: Agrobacterium is commonly used to transfer foreign DNA into plant cells, making it a popular method for creating transgenic plants.
MCQ 85:
What is the purpose of a transgene?
A) To promote genetic diversity
B) To express a desired trait in an organism
C) To repair damaged DNA
D) To degrade unwanted RNA
Answer: B) To express a desired trait in an organism
Explanation: A transgene is a gene that has been transferred into an organism to impart a specific trait or characteristic.
MCQ 86:
Which of the following methods can be used for protein purification?
A) Chromatography
B) Electrophoresis
C) Precipitation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and precipitation can all be used to purify proteins from a mixture.
MCQ 86:
Which of the following is an advantage of using bacteria in biotechnology?
A) Ability to perform post-translational modifications
B) Rapid growth and easy manipulation
C) Complex cellular structure
D) Large genome size
Answer: B) Rapid growth and easy manipulation
Explanation: Bacteria can be engineered easily and grow rapidly, making them ideal for many biotechnological applications.
MCQ 87:
What is the main purpose of using antibiotics in the selection of transformed cells?
A) To enhance cell growth
B) To kill all cells in the culture
C) To select for cells that have taken up a plasmid
D) To increase plasmid replication
Answer: C) To select for cells that have taken up a plasmid
Explanation: Antibiotics are used to select transformed cells that carry antibiotic resistance genes from plasmids, allowing only those cells to survive.
MCQ 88:
What is the main function of restriction enzymes in biotechnology?
A) To replicate DNA
B) To cut DNA at specific sequences
C) To synthesize RNA
D) To degrade proteins
Answer: B) To cut DNA at specific sequences
Explanation: Restriction enzymes recognize specific DNA sequences and cut them, which is essential for cloning and genetic engineering.
MCQ 89
What is the primary goal of metabolic engineering?
A) To modify metabolic pathways for improved production
B) To clone entire organisms
C) To enhance genetic diversity
D) To sequence genomes
Answer: A) To modify metabolic pathways for improved production
Explanation: Metabolic engineering aims to redesign metabolic pathways in organisms to enhance the production of desired metabolites.
MCQ 90:
Which technique is primarily used to analyze the expression levels of multiple genes simultaneously?
A) Sanger sequencing
B) DNA microarray
C) PCR
D) Western blotting
Answer: B) DNA microarray
Explanation: DNA microarrays allow for the simultaneous measurement of expression levels of thousands of genes.
MCQ 91:
What is the main role of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
A) Energy production
B) Protein and lipid synthesis
C) DNA replication
D) Cell division
Answer: B) Protein and lipid synthesis
Explanation: The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in synthesizing proteins and lipids, playing a crucial role in cellular metabolism.
MCQ 92:
What is the significance of gene therapy?
A) It can enhance physical traits.
B) It can correct genetic disorders at the molecular level.
C) It can improve agricultural crops.
D) It can speed up protein synthesis.
Answer: B) It can correct genetic disorders at the molecular level.
Explanation: Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent diseases by directly modifying or replacing faulty genes in an individual’s cells.
MCQ 93:
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of stem cells?
A) They are fully differentiated.
B) They can self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types.
C) They are only found in adult organisms.
D) They cannot divide.
Answer: B) They can self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types.
Explanation: Stem cells have the unique ability to divide and differentiate into various specialized cell types, making them crucial for development and healing.
MCQ 94:
What is the function of the plasmid in genetic engineering?
A) To replicate viral DNA
B) To carry foreign genes into a host cell
C) To synthesize proteins
D) To repair damaged DNA
Answer: B) To carry foreign genes into a host cell
Explanation: Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry foreign genes into host cells for cloning or expression.
MCQ 95:
What is the purpose of using a marker gene in genetic engineering?
A) To enhance protein expression
B) To facilitate identification of successfully transformed cells
C) To promote gene silencing
D) To degrade unwanted DNA
Answer: B) To facilitate identification of successfully transformed cells
Explanation: Marker genes, such as antibiotic resistance genes, help identify cells that have successfully incorporated foreign DNA.
MCQ 96:
Which type of RNA is involved in transporting amino acids to the ribosome?
A) mRNA
B) tRNA
C) rRNA
D) siRNA
Answer: B) tRNA
Explanation: Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
MCQ 97:
Which method is used to amplify DNA in the laboratory?
A) Gel electrophoresis
B) PCR
C) DNA sequencing
D) Southern blotting
Answer: B) PCR
Explanation: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a widely used technique to amplify specific DNA sequences exponentially.
MCQ 98:
What is the role of the ribosome in protein synthesis?
A) To transcribe DNA
B) To translate mRNA into protein
C) To replicate DNA
D) To degrade RNA
Answer: B) To translate mRNA into protein
Explanation: Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that translates the information in mRNA into a corresponding amino acid sequence to form proteins.
MCQ 99:
Which of the following describes a frameshift mutation?
A) A single nucleotide change that does not affect the amino acid sequence
B) A deletion or insertion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame
C) A change that introduces a stop codon
D) A substitution of one nucleotide for another
Answer: B) A deletion or insertion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame
Explanation: A frameshift mutation alters the reading frame of the genetic code, potentially leading to significant changes in the protein product.
MCQ 100:
What is the primary goal of cloning in biotechnology?
A) To create genetically identical copies of an organism or DNA
B) To produce proteins
C) To enhance genetic diversity
D) To sequence genomes
Answer: A) To create genetically identical copies of an organism or DNA
Explanation: Cloning aims to produce exact replicas of DNA sequences or entire organisms.
MCQ 101:
What is the main role of antioxidants in biological systems?
A) To enhance energy production
B) To prevent oxidative damage to cells
C) To facilitate gene expression
D) To promote cell division
Answer: B) To prevent oxidative damage to cells
Explanation: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can lead to cellular injury and diseases.
MCQ 102:
Which of the following is a primary concern regarding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
A) Increased nutritional value
B) Enhanced growth rates
C) Environmental impact and biodiversity loss
D) Improved resistance to pests
Answer: C) Environmental impact and biodiversity loss
Explanation: Concerns about GMOs often center around their potential negative effects on ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.
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