Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives. For those entering this exciting field, here are 15 multiple-choice questions to test your foundational knowledge. Each question is accompanied by an answer and explanation to enhance your understanding.
1. What is Biotechnology?
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Biotechnology involves utilizing living organisms, systems, or derivatives to create or develop various products.
2. Which organism is commonly used in Genetic Engineering?
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E. coli bacteria are frequently used in genetic engineering due to their simple genetics and rapid reproduction.
3. What is the purpose of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?
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PCR is a technique used to amplify specific segments of DNA, allowing for DNA replication and analysis.
4. Which enzyme is used to cut DNA in Recombinant DNA technology?
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Restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA at specific sites, enabling the insertion of foreign DNA in recombinant DNA technology.
5. What is a transgenic organism?
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A transgenic organism has had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into its genome.
6. Which of the following is an application of biotechnology in medicine?
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Gene therapy is an innovative biotechnological strategy that modifies or introduces genes into a patient’s cells to treat or prevent diseases.
7. What is the role of a vector in genetic engineering?
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In genetic engineering, a vector carries foreign DNA into a host cell, where it can be expressed and replicated.
8. Which method is used for separating DNA fragments?
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Gel electrophoresis is a technique used for separating DNA fragments based on their size.
9. What is CRISPR-Cas9 primarily used for?
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CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing system that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA.
10. Which field of biotechnology involves the manipulation of microorganisms to produce products like beer and yogurt?
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White biotechnology, also known as industrial biotechnology, involves using microorganisms for the production of industrial products like food and beverages.
11. What is the objective of therapeutic cloning?
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Therapeutic cloning aims to produce embryonic stem cells for use in medical treatments, rather than producing identical organisms.
12. Which organism has been genetically modified to produce insulin for human use?
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E. coli bacteria have been genetically modified to produce human insulin, which is used to treat diabetes.
13. What is the primary purpose of agricultural biotechnology?
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Agricultural biotechnology primarily aims to improve crop yield and resistance to diseases and pests.
14. What is RNA interference (RNAi) used for?
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RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that silences gene expression, thereby regulating gene activity.
15. Which biotechnological technique allows for the amplification of DNA from ancient specimens?
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PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) enables amplification of DNA, even from ancient and degraded specimens.