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Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, fermentation, cell biology

26 Q 3 Topics Take Mock Test
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Difficulty: All Easy Medium Hard 1–10 of 26
Topics in Biotechnology
Which of the following enzymes is primarily used to cut DNA at specific recognition sequences during genetic engineering?
A Restriction endonuclease
B DNA polymerase
C Helicase
D Ligase
Correct Answer:  A. Restriction endonuclease
EXPLANATION

Restriction endonucleases (restriction enzymes) recognize and cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences, forming sticky or blunt ends. DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA, helicase unwinds DNA, and ligase joins DNA strands.

Test
In the production of recombinant human insulin using genetically engineered bacteria, which organism is primarily used?
A Bacillus subtilis
B Escherichia coli (E. coli)
C Salmonella typhimurium
D Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer:  B. Escherichia coli (E. coli)
EXPLANATION

E. coli is the primary organism used for recombinant insulin production due to its well-characterized genetics, rapid growth, and ability to produce high levels of recombinant proteins.

Test
Which Indian government body is primarily responsible for approving the release of genetically modified crops?
A Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
B Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
C Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
D Department of Biotechnology (DBT) only
Correct Answer:  B. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
EXPLANATION

The GEAC, operating under the MoEFCC, is responsible for appraising large-scale field trials and commercial release of genetically modified organisms in India.

Test
What does 'Bt' in Bt Cotton refer to?
A Bacillus thuringiensis - a bacterium that produces insecticidal proteins
B British technology used in genetic modification
C Better tolerance trait for drought
D Beta-testing of cotton varieties
Correct Answer:  A. Bacillus thuringiensis - a bacterium that produces insecticidal proteins
EXPLANATION

Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that produces Cry proteins toxic to lepidopteran insects. The Cry gene is inserted into cotton plants to confer insect resistance.

Test
Which crop was the first genetically modified organism (GMO) approved for commercial cultivation in India?
A Bt Cotton
B Bt Brinjal
C Golden Rice
D Herbicide-resistant Mustard
Correct Answer:  A. Bt Cotton
EXPLANATION

Bt Cotton was approved by the Indian government in 2002 and became the first genetically modified crop to be commercially cultivated in India, significantly impacting cotton production.

Test
In transgenic plant development, what is the primary function of the Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens?
A To provide nutrients to the plant cell
B To transfer foreign DNA into plant cells
C To protect the plant from pathogens
D To enhance photosynthesis
Correct Answer:  B. To transfer foreign DNA into plant cells
EXPLANATION

The Ti (Tumor-inducing) plasmid naturally transfers a portion of its DNA (T-DNA) into plant cells. Scientists use this as a natural vector to introduce desired genes into plants.

Test
What is the role of DNA ligase in genetic engineering?
A To denature DNA strands
B To join DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds
C To amplify DNA sequences
D To synthesize new DNA from RNA template
Correct Answer:  B. To join DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds
EXPLANATION

DNA ligase catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides, sealing nicks in the DNA backbone after recombination.

Test
In polymerase chain reaction (PCR), what is the primary function of the annealing temperature optimization?
A To denature the double-stranded DNA
B To ensure primers bind specifically to target sequences with appropriate stringency
C To extend the DNA strand
D To degrade non-target DNA sequences
Correct Answer:  B. To ensure primers bind specifically to target sequences with appropriate stringency
EXPLANATION

Annealing temperature determines primer specificity. Optimal temperature prevents non-specific binding while allowing target amplification, crucial for PCR accuracy.

Test
Which regulatory body in India is responsible for approving genetically modified organisms under the Environment Protection Act, 1986?
A Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (GEAC)
C Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D Indian Council of Medical Research
Correct Answer:  B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (GEAC)
EXPLANATION

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change evaluates and approves GMOs for environmental and food safety.

Test
Which plasmid feature is MOST critical for the maintenance of recombinant DNA in bacterial cells across multiple generations?
A Selectable marker gene
B Origin of replication
C Multiple cloning site
D Reporter gene
Correct Answer:  B. Origin of replication
EXPLANATION

Origin of replication (ori) is essential for autonomous replication of plasmids. Without it, the plasmid cannot replicate and will be lost during cell division.

Test
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