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 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 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. 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.
Q. Which organism is commonly used as a host for cloning human genes? (2022)
A.E. coli
B.Yeast
C.Mice
D.All of the above
Solution
E. coli is the most commonly used host for cloning human genes due to its rapid growth and well-understood genetics, but yeast and mice are also used in specific contexts.