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Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, fermentation, cell biology

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Topics in Biotechnology
What is the primary advantage of using homologous recombination over random integration in genetic engineering?
A It is faster and requires less time
B It allows targeted gene insertion at specific genomic locations
C It does not require any selection markers
D It works in all organisms equally well
Correct Answer:  B. It allows targeted gene insertion at specific genomic locations
EXPLANATION

Homologous recombination enables precise insertion of genes at specific genomic locations with high accuracy, reducing off-target effects. This is more predictable than random integration.

Test
Which of the following regulatory bodies in India is responsible for the approval of GM crops?
A ICAR alone
B Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C CSIR only
D State Agricultural Departments only
Correct Answer:  B. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
EXPLANATION

The GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) is the apex body in India that approves the environmental release and commercialization of GM crops after rigorous evaluation.

Test
Consider a genetic engineer wants to produce insulin using genetically modified bacteria. Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps?
A Insert gene → Transform bacteria → Purify insulin → Culture bacteria
B Culture bacteria → Insert gene → Transform bacteria → Purify insulin
C Insert gene into vector → Transform bacteria → Culture bacteria → Purify insulin
D Purify insulin → Insert gene → Transform bacteria → Culture
Correct Answer:  C. Insert gene into vector → Transform bacteria → Culture bacteria → Purify insulin
EXPLANATION

The correct sequence is: (1) Insert the insulin gene into a vector, (2) Introduce the vector into bacteria (transformation), (3) Grow the bacteria in culture, (4) Extract and purify the expressed insulin protein.

Test
What is the major concern regarding the long-term cultivation of Bt cotton in India?
A Reduced yield
B Development of insect resistance to Bt toxin
C Loss of soil fertility
D Increased water requirement
Correct Answer:  B. Development of insect resistance to Bt toxin
EXPLANATION

Continuous exposure to Bt toxin has led to the development of resistance in target insect populations in some regions, necessitating resistance management strategies and refugium planting.

Test
Which technique would be most suitable for introducing multiple genes simultaneously into a plant cell?
A Single gene transformation only
B Gene stacking or pyramiding using multiple constructs
C Random mutagenesis
D Conventional breeding alone
Correct Answer:  B. Gene stacking or pyramiding using multiple constructs
EXPLANATION

Gene stacking or pyramiding involves incorporating multiple transgenes into a single organism, useful for combining multiple desired traits like herbicide resistance and pest resistance.

Test
In the context of genetic engineering, what does 'homologous recombination' mean?
A Random insertion of foreign DNA
B Exchange of genetic material between identical or similar DNA sequences
C Breaking of DNA strands at specific sites
D Replication of DNA molecules
Correct Answer:  B. Exchange of genetic material between identical or similar DNA sequences
EXPLANATION

Homologous recombination involves the exchange of DNA segments between regions with similar sequences, allowing precise insertion of genes at specific locations.

Test
What is the role of a 'selectable marker' gene in genetic engineering?
A To identify successfully transformed cells
B To increase the size of the vector
C To repair DNA damage
D To enhance gene expression
Correct Answer:  A. To identify successfully transformed cells
EXPLANATION

Selectable marker genes (like antibiotic resistance genes) allow researchers to identify and select cells that have successfully taken up the foreign DNA.

Test
Which of the following statements about Golden Rice is correct?
A It is approved for commercial cultivation in India
B It contains genes for beta-carotene production to combat Vitamin A deficiency
C It was developed in India
D It has Bt toxin for insect resistance
Correct Answer:  B. It contains genes for beta-carotene production to combat Vitamin A deficiency
EXPLANATION

Golden Rice is engineered to produce beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), though its approval for cultivation in India was granted only in 2021. It aims to address Vitamin A deficiency.

Test
In CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, what does the 'guide RNA' do?
A Cuts the DNA at the target site
B Directs the Cas9 protein to the specific DNA sequence
C Replaces the mutated gene
D Repairs the broken DNA ends
Correct Answer:  B. Directs the Cas9 protein to the specific DNA sequence
EXPLANATION

The guide RNA is a synthetic RNA molecule that binds to the target DNA sequence and directs the Cas9 nuclease to cut at the correct location.

Test
The process of introducing foreign DNA into a plant cell using Agrobacterium tumefaciens is known as:
A Microinjection
B Agro-transformation
C Electroporation
D Biolistics
Correct Answer:  B. Agro-transformation
EXPLANATION

Agrobacterium tumefaciens naturally transfers T-DNA into plant cells, making it an efficient vector for plant genetic engineering. This process is called agro-transformation.

Test
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