Multiple Choice Questions
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Topic: Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Grade: 10
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a genetically modified organism (GMO)?
a) Apple
b) Banana
c) Corn
d) Tomato
Answer: c) Corn
Explanation: Corn is an example of a genetically modified organism (GMO) as it has been genetically engineered to have specific traits, such as resistance to pests or herbicides. This is achieved by inserting genes from other organisms into the corn\’s DNA. For example, Bt corn has been modified to produce a toxin from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which helps protect the crop from insect pests. This genetic modification allows farmers to have higher crop yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Question 2:
What is the purpose of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) in biotechnology?
a) To produce genetically modified organisms
b) To amplify DNA fragments
c) To analyze protein structures
d) To create transgenic animals
Answer: b) To amplify DNA fragments
Explanation: PCR is a technique used to amplify, or make many copies of, a specific DNA sequence. It is commonly used in biotechnology and genetic engineering to obtain enough DNA for further analysis or manipulation. PCR involves a series of temperature cycles that allow DNA replication to occur in vitro. This technique has numerous applications, such as DNA sequencing, genetic testing, and forensic analysis.
Question 3:
Which of the following is an example of a restriction enzyme?
a) DNA polymerase
b) Ligase
c) Taq polymerase
d) EcoRI
Answer: d) EcoRI
Explanation: EcoRI is an example of a restriction enzyme. Restriction enzymes are enzymes that can recognize specific DNA sequences and cut the DNA at those sites. EcoRI, for example, recognizes the DNA sequence GAATTC and cuts the DNA between the G and the A. Restriction enzymes are widely used in genetic engineering to cut DNA at specific locations, allowing for the insertion of desired genes or DNA fragments.
Question 4:
What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in biotechnology?
a) To amplify DNA
b) To cut DNA at specific sites
c) To separate DNA fragments based on size
d) To analyze protein structures
Answer: c) To separate DNA fragments based on size
Explanation: Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. It involves placing DNA samples in a gel matrix and applying an electric field. The negatively charged DNA fragments move towards the positive electrode and are separated based on their size, with smaller fragments moving faster and traveling further through the gel. This technique is commonly used to analyze DNA samples, such as in DNA fingerprinting or genetic testing.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a transgenic organism?
a) Dog
b) Horse
c) Mouse
d) GloFish
Answer: d) GloFish
Explanation: GloFish is an example of a transgenic organism, as it has been genetically modified to express fluorescent proteins derived from marine organisms. These proteins make the fish exhibit bright colors under certain lighting conditions. Transgenic organisms are organisms that have had genes from another species inserted into their genome. This genetic modification allows for the expression of new traits or characteristics that are not naturally found in the organism\’s species.
Question 6:
What is the role of plasmids in genetic engineering?
a) To replicate DNA
b) To cut DNA at specific sites
c) To insert genes into cells
d) To amplify DNA fragments
Answer: c) To insert genes into cells
Explanation: Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and other organisms. In genetic engineering, plasmids are commonly used as vectors to carry and deliver specific genes into recipient cells. The desired gene is inserted into the plasmid, which is then introduced into the target cells. Once inside the cells, the plasmid can replicate and express the inserted gene, allowing for the production of desired proteins or traits.
Question 7:
What is the purpose of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in genetic engineering?
a) To amplify DNA fragments
b) To cut DNA at specific sites
c) To analyze protein structures
d) To produce genetically modified organisms
Answer: b) To cut DNA at specific sites
Explanation: The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows for precise and targeted modifications of DNA. Cas9 is an enzyme that can be programmed to recognize and cut specific DNA sequences, guided by short RNA molecules known as guide RNA. By introducing the CRISPR-Cas9 system into cells, scientists can edit or modify specific genes by introducing insertions, deletions, or other changes at the targeted DNA site. This system has numerous applications in genetic engineering, including the development of disease-resistant crops, gene therapy, and the study of gene function.
Question 8:
Which of the following is an example of a genetically engineered vaccine?
a) Polio vaccine
b) Tetanus vaccine
c) Hepatitis B vaccine
d) Influenza vaccine
Answer: c) Hepatitis B vaccine
Explanation: The Hepatitis B vaccine is an example of a genetically engineered vaccine. It is produced by inserting a gene for a viral protein into yeast cells, which then produce the protein. This protein is purified and used as the vaccine. This genetic engineering approach allows for large-scale production of vaccines in a safe and efficient manner. Genetically engineered vaccines have revolutionized the field of immunization, providing effective protection against various diseases.
Question 9:
Which of the following is an example of gene cloning?
a) Producing identical twins
b) Producing genetically identical bacteria
c) Producing hybrid plants
d) Producing transgenic animals
Answer: b) Producing genetically identical bacteria
Explanation: Gene cloning involves the production of multiple copies of a specific gene or DNA fragment. In the case of producing genetically identical bacteria, a specific gene or DNA fragment is inserted into a bacterial plasmid, which is then introduced into bacterial cells. The bacteria take up the plasmid and replicate it along with their own DNA. This results in the production of multiple copies of the inserted gene or DNA fragment, effectively cloning it. This technique is widely used in biotechnology and genetic engineering to produce large quantities of specific genes or DNA fragments for further analysis or manipulation.
Question 10:
What is the purpose of the Human Genome Project?
a) To identify and map all the genes in the human genome
b) To create genetically modified organisms
c) To analyze protein structures
d) To clone human beings
Answer: a) To identify and map all the genes in the human genome
Explanation: The Human Genome Project was an international research effort that aimed to sequence and map the entire human genome. The project successfully identified and mapped all the genes in the human genome, providing valuable information about the structure, function, and organization of human genes. This project has had a profound impact on our understanding of human biology and has paved the way for numerous advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Question 11:
Which of the following is an example of somatic gene therapy?
a) Correcting genetic defects in sperm or egg cells
b) Modifying genes in body cells to treat a genetic disorder
c) Producing genetically modified crops
d) Cloning animals
Answer: b) Modifying genes in body cells to treat a genetic disorder
Explanation: Somatic gene therapy involves modifying genes in body cells to treat a genetic disorder or disease. This can be achieved by delivering therapeutic genes into specific cells using viral vectors or other delivery methods. The aim is to correct the underlying genetic defect or introduce new genes that can compensate for the dysfunctional ones. Somatic gene therapy has shown promising results in treating certain genetic disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and hemophilia.
Question 12:
What is the purpose of gene sequencing in biotechnology?
a) To analyze protein structures
b) To amplify DNA fragments
c) To determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule
d) To create genetically modified organisms
Answer: c) To determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule
Explanation: Gene sequencing involves determining the order of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) in a DNA molecule. This information is crucial for understanding the structure and function of genes, as well as for identifying genetic variations or mutations. Gene sequencing techniques have advanced significantly in recent years, allowing for the rapid and accurate sequencing of entire genomes. This has revolutionized the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, enabling the identification of disease-causing genes, the development of personalized medicine, and the discovery of new genetic targets for therapeutic interventions.
Question 13:
Which of the following is an example of a genetically modified crop?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Soybean
d) Potato
Answer: c) Soybean
Explanation: Soybean is an example of a genetically modified crop. Genetically modified soybeans have been engineered to have traits such as herbicide resistance or increased tolerance to specific pests. This is achieved by inserting genes from other organisms into the soybean\’s DNA. For example, Roundup Ready soybeans are genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, allowing farmers to effectively control weeds without harming the crop. Genetically modified crops have been widely adopted in agriculture due to their potential benefits, such as increased yield, reduced pesticide use, and improved nutritional content.
Question 14:
What is the purpose of gene therapy?
a) To clone animals
b) To produce genetically modified organisms
c) To treat genetic disorders or diseases
d) To analyze protein structures
Answer: c) To treat genetic disorders or diseases
Explanation: Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating genetic disorders or diseases by introducing therapeutic genes into the patient\’s cells. This can be achieved by delivering the therapeutic genes using viral vectors or other delivery methods. The aim is to correct the underlying genetic defect or introduce new genes that can compensate for the dysfunctional ones. Gene therapy has the potential to provide long-lasting or even permanent treatments for a wide range of genetic disorders, although it is still a developing field with ongoing research and clinical trials.
Question 15:
What is the purpose of recombinant DNA technology in biotechnology?
a) To amplify DNA fragments
b) To cut DNA at specific sites
c) To produce genetically modified organisms
d) To analyze protein structures
Answer: c) To produce genetically modified organisms
Explanation: Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA molecules from different sources to create new genetic combinations. This technology is widely used in biotechnology to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with desired traits or characteristics. For example, recombinant DNA technology has been used to develop crops with increased yield, improved nutritional content, or resistance to pests or herbicides. It has also been utilized in the production of therapeutic proteins, such as insulin or growth hormones, in genetically modified bacteria or yeast. Recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, providing powerful tools for the manipulation of genes and DNA sequences.