Deck 15: DNA Technology and Genomics

Question 1

What is one feature of "engineered" plasmids that is helpful in the isolation and analysis of cloned DNA?

A) They can only handle DNA fragments of up to 10 kb.
B) They are an integral part of all eukaryotic cells.
C) They contain no genetic material of their own so that the cloned fragment is truly isolated.
D) The presence of genes that allow transformed cells to survive on different media.
E) The base sequence of one strand reads the same as its complement.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

A ____ is required to transfer genes from one organism to another.

A) vector
B) reverse transcriptase
C) transport molecule
D) genetic probe
E) PCR device

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Splicing together DNA from two different organisms is known as:

A) bioengineering
B) in vitro gene technology
C) genome technology
D) recombinant DNA technology
E) DNA sequencing

Answer 3

D

Question 4

A large number of copies of any DNA segment can be obtained by:

A) introducing foreign DNA into a microorganism so that it can be replicated
B) stimulating increased transcription of the appropriate sequence of mRNA
C) stimulating increased translation of the appropriate DNA molecule
D) inducing the production of DNA from proteins
E) stimulating reverse transcription of tRNA

Question 5

DNA ligase links two ____ DNA fragments by ____ bonds.

A) complementary; hydrogen
B) circular; covalent
C) palindromic; covalent
D) linear; covalent
E) linear; hydrogen

Question 6

A chromosome library is a collection of all DNA:

A) that occurs in one species
B) contained in one chromosome
C) that would be found in the chromosomes of a typical cell of a particular organism
D) in a recombinant gene
E) that codes for functional enzymes in a chromosome of a particular organism

Question 7

Bacteriophages are:

A) viruses that infect bacteria
B) plasmids that infect bacteria
C) bacteria that infect other bacteria
D) enzymes that destroy bacteria
E) recombinant organisms

Question 8

"Sticky ends" are:

A) the single-stranded ends of a DNA segment created by some restriction enzymes
B) a problem in recombinant DNA technology because they form loops of single-stranded DNA
C) double-stranded ends of a DNA segment created by some restriction enzymes
D) sites of the origin of replication in prokaryotes
E) sugar molecules that are bound to the ends of a DNA fragment

Question 9

Bacteria methylate their DNA to:

A) prepare for DNA replication
B) prepare for mitosis
C) effectively infect other cells
D) protect it from restriction enzymes
E) prevent viral DNA from hybridizing with bacterial DNA

Question 10

The use of organisms to develop useful products is called:

A) bioengineering
B) in vitro gene technology
C) biotechnology
D) recombinant DNA technology
E) genetic engineering

Question 11

During the preparation of a human genomic library, plasmids containing human DNA fragments are inserted into:

A) compatible human cells
B) an antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli to protect the inserted fragments
C) antibiotic-sensitive E. coli cells that become antibiotic-resistant if transformed
D) bacteriophages
E) mRNA molecules

Question 12

The total DNA in a cell is referred to as the:

A) genome
B) cDNA
C) library
D) chromosomal DNA
E) Human Genome Project

Question 13

"Bt corn" are corn plants that contain a bacterial gene for the bacterial toxin, Bt. The production of this toxin kills insects that feed on the plant, thereby making the plants pest-resistant. This process is an example of:

A) chemical engineering
B) genomic studies
C) fluorescent GloFish
D) recombinant DNA technology
E) genetic engineering

Question 14

A genomic library consists of fragments of all DNA:

A) that occurs in one species
B) contained in one chromosome
C) that would be found in a typical cell of an organism
D) in a recombinant gene
E) that codes for functional enzymes in a typical cell of an organism

Question 15

Transformation is a process whereby:

A) bacteria are transferred into plasmid cells.
B) viruses are transferred into bacterial cells.
C) plasmids are transferred into bacterial cells.
D) bacteria are transferred into viral cells.
E) plasmids are transferred into viral cells.

Question 16

Which DNA sequence below would be a palindromic sequence?

A) AGCGCT
B) AGCAGC
C) AAAGGG
D) ACACAC
E) AGTCGT

Question 17

A genomic library is a collection of:

A) plasmid fragments that are spliced into genomic DNA
B) genomic DNA fragments that are spliced into plasmids
C) intron fragments that are spliced into plasmids
D) exon fragments that are spliced into bacterial cells
E) gene fragments that are spliced into main bacterial chromosome

Question 18

Plasmid cloning vectors can:

A) accommodate DNA fragments up to 23 kb
B) transport a DNA fragment from the nucleus to the cytoplasm
C) accommodate DNA fragments up to 10 kb
D) accommodate fragments up to 350 kb
E) infect and insert their DNA into bacterial cells

Question 19

What purpose do restriction enzymes play in bacterial cells?

A) Restriction enzymes prevent the overproduction of mRNA in the bacterial cell.
B) Restriction enzymes attack bacteriophage DNA when it enters the cell.
C) Restriction enzymes promote bonding of the RNA polymerase to the promoter.
D) Restriction enzymes limit the rate of bacterial replication.
E) Restriction enzymes connect Okazaki fragments.

Question 20

In producing a genomic library, human DNA and plasmid DNA must first be treated with:

A) the same restriction enzyme
B) different restriction enzymes
C) the same DNA ligase
D) different DNA ligases
E) cosmid cloning vectors

Question 21

Figure 15-1

What process or enzyme was used for Step 1 in the accompanying figure?

A) PCR
B) a bacteriophage
C) a reverse transcriptase
D) a DNA ligase
E) a restriction enzyme

Question 22

In the construction of a DNA library, bacterial colonies that grow on agar plates containing antibiotic can be described as:

A) arising from one individual bacterium that contained a recombinant plasmid
B) arising from many individual bacteria, only some of which contain a recombinant plasmid
C) arising from one individual bacterium that does not contain a recombinant plasmid
D) arising from wild-type bacteria
E) containing a single bacterium, which contains a recombinant plasmid

Question 23

The chain termination method of DNA sequencing was developed by:

A) Jacob
B) Watson
C) Hershey
D) Avery
E) Sanger

Question 24

If a protein-coding gene is identified, its function can be studied by using RNA interference to ____.

A) produce an RFLP
B) determine the DNA sequence.
C) turn the gene on
D) turn the gene off
E) induce a mutation

Question 25

The polymerase chain reaction was developed by:

A) Francis Crick
B) Walter Gilbert
C) E.M. Southern
D) Kary Mullis
E) Leland Hartwell

Question 26

Southern blotting is a process where ____ is transferred from a gel to a ____where a probe can be applied.

A) DNA; water solution
B) protein; water solution
C) DNA; nitrocellulose filter
D) RNA; nitrocellulose filter
E) protein; nitrocellulose filter

Question 27

Scientists study animal models in order to reveal the functions of human genes. This is an example of:

A) comparative genomics
B) DNA cloning
C) Western blotting
D) RNAi
E) gene targeting

Question 28

The ratio of different-colored fluorescent dyes in microarray can be used to infer information about:

A) patterns of gene expression only
B) drug activity only
C) the identity of disease-causing genes only
D) patterns of gene expression and also drug activity only
E) patterns of gene expression, drug activity, and the identity of disease-causing genes

Question 29

PCR has many uses and advantages. What is one disadvantage of this technology?

A) It is difficult to keep the amplified DNA strands intact.
B) PCR works on only some DNA sequences.
C) The amplified product is often degraded.
D) PCR is a slow and inefficient process.
E) PCR is easily contaminated with foreign DNA.

Question 30

____ is a technique that can be used to separate DNA molecules based on their size.

A) Separation gradient
B) Electrophoresis
C) Selective sorting
D) Cloning
E) PCR

Question 31

To avoid the introduction of introns into the vector, a ____ copy of mature mRNA is made, using the enzyme ____.

A) sDNA; RNA polymerase
B) cDNA; DNA ligase
C) cDNA; reverse transcriptase
D) sDNA; reverse transcriptase
E) cDNA; DNA polymerase

Question 32

The amplification of recombinant plasmids occurs by:

A) the growth of the plasmid DNA
B) DNA replication of plasmids outside a host cell
C) the process of growth and division of the host cell
D) transformation of bacterial cells
E) the polymerase chain reaction

Question 33

Each individual bacterial colony contains ____ recombinant plasmid as/than the other colonies on the plate, and the DNA sequence of the recombinant plasmid present in any given colony can be identified using a ____.

A) a different; DNA chip
B) the same; DNA chip
C) the same; DNA probe
D) a different; Western blot
E) a different; DNA probe

Question 34

cDNA libraries contain:

A) single-stranded DNA
B) DNA synthesized with the use of DNA polymerase
C) DNA synthesized from and complementary to an mRNA template
D) introns and exons
E) genomic DNA

Question 35

Which of the following statements characterizes PCR?

A) PCR can be performed with any DNA polymerase.
B) PCR is only useful for amplifying large quantities of DNA in vitro .
C) PCR replicates specific DNA sequences.
D) PCR has not been successful for archaeological and crime scene analyses.
E) PCR utilizes Taq polymerase, which remains active only at low temperatures.

Question 36

Gene targeting:

A) usually results in mice homozygous for the knock-out gene in every cell
B) is used to study orthologous genes
C) measures gene expression activity
D) is a rapid process
E) is a technique typically performed in humans

Question 37

Figure 15-1

Refer to the accompanying figure. The use of antibiotic medium at the end of this process:

A) selects against plasmids containing human DNA fragments
B) selects for plasmids containing particular DNA fragments
C) selects for bacteria containing plasmids
D) selects for bacteria lacking plasmids
E) prevents contamination of the medium

Question 38

In polymerase chain reaction technology, the two strands of DNA are separated by:

A) gel electrophoresis
B) treatment with restriction enzymes
C) centrifugation
D) exposure to high pH
E) exposure to heat

Question 39

A detectable variation in the genomes of different individuals of a population is known as:

A) DNA sequencing
B) DNA electrophoresis
C) DNA tandem repeats
D) a polymorphism
E) DNA profiling

Question 40

Suppose a scientist is interested in studying DNA regulatory elements. What should she prepare first?

A) cDNA library
B) genomic library
C) transgenic mouse
D) Northern blot
E) DNA chip

Question 41

Identify two important proteins that are produced using genetic engineering techniques. Briefly discuss why the genetic engineering techniques used are preferred over the other methods of producing each of the proteins that you identified.

Question 42

Retroviruses make ____ by the process of ____.

A) RNA copies of DNA; reverse transcription
B) DNA copies of RNA; reverse transcription
C) genetic probes; Southern blotting
D) genetic probes; Northern blotting
E) telomerase; mutagenesis

Question 43

What is the advantage of using restriction enzymes that create sticky ends versus blunt ends for creating recombinant DNA molecules?

Question 44

Cosmid cloning vectors accommodate much larger fragments of DNA than bacterial artificial chromosomes.

Question 45

The FBI currently determines an individual's DNA profile using:

A) DNA sequencing
B) mitochondrial DNA variations
C) RFLPs
D) DNA ligation
E) 13 STR markers

Question 46

Why is insulin produced by genetically engineered E. coli cells superior to insulin obtained from animal sources?

A) Animal insulin has a shorter life span than insulin produced using recombinant DNA techniques.
B) Recombinantly produced insulin contains human rather than animal sequences, reducing the chances of an allergic response.
C) Animal insulin is more difficult to purify than recombinantly produced insulin.
D) Recombinantly produced insulin has a much higher activity level.
E) Recombinantly produced insulin is easier to obtain than insulin from animals.

Question 47

Why is it unlikely that genetically engineered strains of bacteria would pose a threat to the environment?

A) Genetically engineered bacteria cannot survive exposure to UV radiation.
B) Genetically engineered strains of bacteria are strictly regulated, making accidental release unlikely.
C) Genetically engineered strains of bacteria cannot survive exposure to oxygen.
D) Genetically engineered strains of bacteria are poor competitors of wild strains.
E) Genetically engineered strains of bacteria require supplemental nutrients to survive.

Question 48

Why would a scientist use targeted gene silencing?

Question 49

The method of choice for constructing a DNA profile on DNA-containing forensic evidence that is old or has been damaged is:

A) nuclear DNA sequencing
B) mitochondrial DNA sequencing
C) STR profiling
D) DNA ligation
E) RFLPs

Question 50

In the field of plant transgenics, the use of the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens has proven useful because the bacterium:

A) is not attacked by plant immune systems
B) has been genetically engineered to penetrate the plant cell wall
C) can directly modify the plant genome
D) is found naturally in almost all species of plants
E) is able to transfer a plasmid into host plant cells

Question 51

Describe what a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) examines the genome to find.

Question 52

An organism in which foreign genes have been incorporated is called a:

A) recombinant organism
B) transgene
C) polymorphism
D) transgenic organism
E) recombinant

Question 53

When DNA ligase is used to combine a human fragment with a plasmid, the result is a redundant plasmid.

Question 54

Two common methods for obtaining large quantities of a DNA fragment or gene of interest is by PCR or by DNA cloning (e.g., construction of a DNA library). Explain one advantage of using PCR and one advantage of using DNA cloning in a living cell.

Question 55

Transgenic salmon are genetically engineered to grow faster than their wild-type counterparts. They do not grow larger; they simply reach their full size in shorter time. Transgenic salmon that are grown in outdoor pens are all sterile (nonreproducing) females. Why is this important?

Question 56

A(n) ____ is produced by introducing a gene for a viral surface protein into a nonpathogenic vector.

A) new pathogen
B) new life form
C) inactivated pathogen
D) nonpathogenic vector
E) recombinant vaccine

Question 57

Reverse transcriptase catalyzes the production of _____ from ____.

A) double-stranded cDNA; single-stranded mRNA
B) double-stranded mRNA; single-stranded cDNA
C) single-stranded cDNA; single-stranded mRNA
D) single-stranded mRNA; single-stranded cDNA
E) double-stranded cDNA; double-stranded mRNA

Question 58

To produce a genomic library DNA, DNA fragments are incorporated into plasmids that are introduced into bacteria.

Question 59

Why is human blood clotting factor VIII produced by genetically engineered bacteria better to treat hemophilia type A than the clotting factor isolated from human or animal blood?

A) Recombinantly produced clotting factor has a longer shelf life than natural clotting factor.
B) Clotting factor isolated from blood can transmit infectious agents present in the donated blood.
C) Clotting factor isolated from human blood is quickly degraded.
D) Recombinantly produced clotting factor is stable at high temperatures.
E) Clotting factor from blood has a lower activity than recombinant clotting factor.

Question 60

Figure 15-3

The columns in the accompanying figure represent F (for female), C (for children), and M (for male). The presence of the band marked with arrow #2, shows that:

A) this DNA sequence in the children is a mutation.
B) this DNA sequence in the children is inherited from their mother.
C) this DNA sequence in the children is inherited from their father.
D) this sequence in the children is inherited from both their mother and father.
E) individual F is not the mother of these children.

Question 63

Explain how herbicide-tolerant weeds ("superweeds") could appear in areas nearby transgenic herbicide-tolerant crops. What issues arise with this scenario?

Question 64

GTGTGTGTGT is an example of a(n) single nucleotide polymorphism.

Question 65

If a human gene containing introns is inserted into a prokaryote cell, a functional human protein will be produced.

Question 66

What are transgenic organisms? Explain the rationale behind using these organisms to produce some of the proteins needed for human use, instead of relying solely on proteins produced by genetically engineered E. coli.

Question 67

Explain how DNA sequencing can be accomplished using dideoxynucleotides.

Question 68

The chain termination method of DNA sequencing is based on a replicating DNA strand incorporating a(n) deoxynucleotide that stops the chain elongation.

Question 69

A plant virus is destroying corn crops. Scientists have determined a mutation that prevents the virus from attaching to the plant cells (and thus preventing infection) without altering the function of the protein or the corn. How would a CRISPR-based gene drive allow scientists to insert this gene into the yet-to-be-planted corn crops.

Question 70

Comparative genomics is the field of genomics that studies the functions of genes and nongene sequences in genomes.

Question 71

The purpose of the ENCODE study is to identify the functional regions of the human genome.

Question 72

When RNAs separated by electrophoresis are transferred to a membrane and detected using a nucleic acid probe, the result is called a Western blot.

Question 73

Explain how the use of Bt crops can result in the evolution of pesticide-resistant insect populations. What issues may arise in this scenario?

Question 74

After a protein-coding gene is identified, its function can be studied by using RNA interference to activate the gene.

Question 75

A cDNA library is complementary to DNA and thus does not contain introns.

Question 76

Transgenic organisms are used to aid studies of:

A) genetic diseases.
B) gene expression.
C) immune system function.
D) viral diseases.
E) genes involved in cancer development.

Question 77

Gene therapy is a new technology that is used to treat genetic disease by correction of the genetic mutation.

Question 78

Single nucleotide polymorphisms are defined as junk DNA.

Question 79

Clues to the structure and function of a gene can be gained through bioinformatics.

Question 80

What is meant by a genetic shotgun?