Golden Rice, developed through genetic engineering, is primarily enriched with which nutrient?
Answer: B
Golden Rice contains beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which is added to combat Vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. It was developed using genes from daffodil and bacterium Erwinia uredovora.
Q.22Easy
What is the primary function of a restriction endonuclease in genetic engineering?
Answer: B
Restriction endonucleases are molecular scissors that recognize and cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences. This is essential for creating recombinant DNA molecules.
Q.23Easy
Which of the following is NOT a vector commonly used in genetic engineering?
Answer: C
Plasmids, bacteriophages, and cosmids are all used as vectors for gene transfer. Mitochondria cannot be used as vectors because they have their own DNA replication system independent of the cell's machinery.
Q.24Easy
In India, which regulatory body is responsible for approving genetically modified crops before their commercial release?
Answer: B
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the competent authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that reviews and approves GM crops for environmental release and commercialization in India.
Q.25Medium
What is the primary advantage of using homologous recombination over random integration in genetic engineering?
Answer: B
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.
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Q.26Medium
Bt Brinjal, developed in India, produces a toxin that is toxic to which major pest?
Answer: B
Bt Brinjal contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis that produces Cry1Ac toxin, which is specifically toxic to the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (BFSB), a major pest affecting brinjal cultivation in India.
Q.27Medium
Which Indian state first approved the cultivation of Bt Cotton commercially?
Answer: B
Bt Cotton was first commercialized in Gujarat in 2002 after receiving GEAC approval. It has since become one of the most widely cultivated GM crops in India.
Q.28Medium
In the process of DNA sequencing using Sanger's method, what does the term 'dideoxynucleotides' refer to?
Answer: B
Dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) lack the hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 3' carbon of the sugar, preventing further DNA chain elongation. This terminates DNA synthesis and is fundamental to Sanger sequencing.
Q.29Medium
What is the primary concern associated with the use of antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers in genetic engineering?
Answer: B
Horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from GM organisms to pathogenic bacteria is a major ecological and health concern. This has led to development of alternative marker systems and increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies.
Q.30Medium
Which of the following techniques would be most appropriate for introducing multiple genes simultaneously into a plant genome?
Answer: B
Gene gun can deliver multiple genes at once through particle bombardment. While Agrobacterium can be used for multiple genes, it's typically better for single or limited gene transfers. Gene gun offers better efficiency for multi-gene introduction.
Q.31Medium
In CRISPR-Cas9 technology, what is the role of the single guide RNA (sgRNA)?
Answer: B
The sgRNA is a synthetic RNA molecule that guides the Cas9 endonuclease to the specific target DNA sequence through complementary base pairing, ensuring precise gene editing at the desired location.
Q.32Medium
Which of the following best describes 'off-target effects' in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing?
Answer: B
Off-target effects occur when Cas9 cuts at genomic sites that are similar but not identical to the intended target sequence. This can cause undesired mutations and is a significant concern in therapeutic applications.
Q.33Hard
A researcher wants to produce recombinant human insulin in bacteria. Which of the following steps would be MOST critical for ensuring successful protein expression?
Answer: A
Bacterial expression requires prokaryotic regulatory elements such as bacterial promoters and Shine-Dalgarno sequences for proper transcription and translation. The human gene alone won't be recognized by bacterial machinery.
Q.34Hard
Which modern technique allows for the creation of gene edits that can be reversed or made inducible, offering greater control over gene expression?
Answer: C
Epigenetic editing modifies gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself, making changes potentially reversible. Prime editing offers precise edits with fewer off-targets. Base editing directly converts one DNA base to another. Epigenetic approaches offer the most control and reversibility.
Q.35Hard
Consider a scenario where a genetic engineer develops a drought-resistant crop by introducing an aquaporin gene. Which of the following would be the most appropriate long-term assessment of this GM crop's environmental impact?
Answer: B
Comprehensive environmental impact assessment requires multi-generational studies examining effects on biodiversity, soil health, water systems, and non-target organisms. Short-term yield data alone is insufficient for determining ecological safety.
Q.36Hard
In gene therapy for genetic disorders, what is the primary advantage of using ex vivo gene therapy compared to in vivo therapy?
Answer: B
Ex vivo gene therapy involves editing cells outside the body, allowing for rigorous selection of successfully modified cells and quality control before reimplantation. This reduces risks associated with unsuccessful edits.
Q.37Hard
Which of the following represents the most significant biosafety concern regarding horizontal gene transfer from GM crops to wild relatives?
Answer: B
The spread of herbicide or insect resistance genes to wild relatives creates organisms that are difficult to control and can disrupt ecosystems. This is the primary biosafety concern in several regulatory assessments, particularly for herbicide-resistant crops.
Q.38Hard
A biotechnology company successfully edits a disease-causing gene in human embryonic stem cells using CRISPR-Cas9. Before proceeding with clinical trials, what is the primary regulatory and ethical challenge they would face in India?
Answer: C
Germline (heritable) editing raises profound ethical, religious, and social concerns about modifying the human genome permanently. Most countries, including India, have strict regulations or moratoriums on germline editing applications.
Q.39Easy
Which enzyme is responsible for cutting DNA at specific recognition sequences during genetic engineering?
Answer: A
Restriction endonucleases (restriction enzymes) cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences, making them essential tools in genetic engineering for creating recombinant DNA.
Q.40Easy
What is the primary function of DNA ligase in genetic engineering protocols?
Answer: B
DNA ligase catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides, effectively sealing nicks in the DNA backbone and joining DNA fragments together.
