Q. What is the function of a selectable marker in a cloning vector? (2023)
A.To enhance gene expression
B.To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
C.To provide energy for the cell
D.To stabilize the DNA
Solution
Selectable markers are genes that confer resistance to antibiotics or other substances, allowing for the identification of cells that have successfully taken up the vector.
Correct Answer: B — To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
Q. What is the function of the selectable marker gene in a recombinant DNA experiment? (2021)
A.To enhance gene expression
B.To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
C.To provide energy to the cells
D.To degrade unwanted DNA
Solution
Selectable marker genes are used to identify cells that have successfully taken up the recombinant DNA, allowing researchers to select for those cells.
Correct Answer: B — To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
Q. What is the main advantage of using yeast as a host for cloning? (2023)
A.High growth rate
B.Eukaryotic post-translational modifications
C.Simple genome
D.Low cost
Solution
Yeast, being a eukaryote, can perform post-translational modifications similar to higher organisms, making it advantageous for expressing eukaryotic proteins.
Correct Answer: B — Eukaryotic post-translational modifications
Q. What is the purpose of using a promoter in a recombinant DNA molecule? (2021)
A.To initiate DNA replication
B.To enhance the stability of the DNA
C.To drive the expression of the inserted gene
D.To facilitate DNA repair
Solution
A promoter is a DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a particular gene, driving the expression of the inserted gene in a recombinant DNA molecule.
Correct Answer: C — To drive the expression of the inserted gene
Q. What is the purpose of using a selectable marker in a cloning vector? (2021)
A.To enhance the stability of the vector
B.To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
C.To increase the replication rate of the vector
D.To facilitate the insertion of foreign DNA
Solution
Selectable markers are genes that confer resistance to antibiotics or other substances, allowing for the identification of cells that have successfully taken up the vector.
Correct Answer: B — To allow for the identification of successfully transformed cells
Q. What is the purpose of using a selectable marker in genetic engineering? (2023)
A.To enhance gene expression
B.To identify successfully transformed cells
C.To increase DNA stability
D.To promote cell division
Solution
Selectable markers are genes that confer resistance to antibiotics or other substances, allowing researchers to identify cells that have successfully taken up the recombinant DNA.
Correct Answer: B — To identify successfully transformed cells
Q. What is the role of plasmids in genetic engineering? (2019)
A.To provide energy
B.To serve as vectors for gene cloning
C.To synthesize proteins
D.To degrade DNA
Solution
Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently and are commonly used as vectors to transfer genes into host cells in genetic engineering.
Correct Answer: B — To serve as vectors for gene cloning
Q. What is the significance of the 'Golden Gate' cloning method? (2023)
A.It allows for the cloning of large DNA fragments
B.It uses a single restriction enzyme for multiple insertions
C.It is a method for sequencing DNA
D.It enhances the stability of plasmids
Solution
The 'Golden Gate' cloning method allows for the simultaneous insertion of multiple DNA fragments using a single restriction enzyme, making it efficient for constructing complex plasmids.
Correct Answer: B — It uses a single restriction enzyme for multiple insertions
Q. What is the significance of the 'sticky ends' produced by restriction enzymes? (2023)
A.They prevent DNA degradation
B.They facilitate the ligation of DNA fragments
C.They enhance transcription
D.They stabilize the DNA structure
Solution
Sticky ends are overhanging sequences produced by restriction enzymes that facilitate the ligation of DNA fragments by allowing complementary base pairing.
Correct Answer: B — They facilitate the ligation of DNA fragments
Q. Which of the following is a method for introducing foreign DNA into a host cell?
A.Electroporation
B.Transcription
C.Translation
D.Replication
Solution
Electroporation is a method used to introduce foreign DNA into host cells by applying an electrical field to increase the permeability of the cell membrane.
Q. Which of the following is a method used for gene transfer in plants? (2021)
A.Microinjection
B.Electroporation
C.Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
D.All of the above
Solution
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a widely used method for transferring genes into plant cells, making it a key technique in plant biotechnology.
Correct Answer: C — Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Q. Which of the following is a potential application of biotechnology in agriculture?
A.Production of biofuels
B.Development of pest-resistant crops
C.Creation of synthetic hormones
D.All of the above
Solution
Biotechnology has various applications in agriculture, including the development of pest-resistant crops, production of biofuels, and creation of synthetic hormones.
