Quiz Chapter 13: Genetic Technology

1. Which enzyme functions as 'molecular scissors' to cut DNA at specific base recognition sequences during genetic engineering?

1. DNA Polymerase
2. Restriction Enzyme
3. DNA Ligase
4. RNA Polymerase

2. Which bacteria species is commonly transformed with recombinant plasmids to produce human insulin at commercial scale?

1. Escherichia coli
2. Bacillus thuringiensis
3. Lactobacillus bulgaricus
4. Rhizobium leguminosarum

3. What role does thermal cycling play during Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

1. It incinerates unwanted bacterial cells
2. It systematically alters temperatures to denature DNA strands, anneal primers, and extend new DNA strands
3. It maintains constant body temperature at 37 degrees Celsius
4. It sterilizes agarose gels for electrophoresis

4. What is the primary role of DNA ligase in constructing recombinant plasmids?

1. To cut open bacterial plasmids
2. To join target DNA fragments with plasmid DNA by forming phosphodiester bonds
3. To replicate DNA sequences inside host bacteria
4. To transcribe RNA into functional proteins

5. How does gel electrophoresis separate DNA fragments during DNA profiling?

1. By chemical toxicity of nitrogen bases
2. By size and charge, as negatively charged DNA moves toward the positive electrode
3. By density of hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs
4. By temperature coefficient of bacterial plasmids

6. What are 'sticky ends' in recombinant DNA technology?

1. Polysaccharide coatings on bacterial cell walls
2. Single-stranded overhangs of DNA generated by cleavage with restriction enzymes
3. Hydrophobic regions on DNA ligase enzymes
4. Synthetic polymers used to fix DNA onto agarose gels

7. What term describes organisms containing functioning foreign genes transferred from another species?

1. Polyploid organisms
2. Transgenic organisms
3. Homozygous organisms
4. Mutated haploid organisms

8. Why is human insulin produced via recombinant DNA technology superior to insulin extracted from pig or cow pancreases?

1. It is cheaper to extract from animal tissue
2. It is structurally identical to human insulin, reducing allergic immune responses in diabetic patients
3. It acts twice as slowly in lowering blood glucose levels
4. It contains plant carotenoids that boost eye health

9. Which field of study evaluates the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic technology and biotechnology?

1. Bioinformatics
2. Bioethics
3. Biochemistry
4. Biodiversity

10. Which vector is commonly used to carry foreign target genes into host bacterial cells during recombinant DNA technology?

1. Bacterial ribosome
2. Bacterial plasmid
3. Mitochondrial matrix
4. Golgi apparatus