Question 1

Rational drug design involves the synthesis of specific chemical substances that affect specific gene products.

Accepted Answer

Rational drug design uses computer modeling and other techniques to design drugs that have a specific effect on a target molecule or gene product. These drugs are then synthesized and tested in the laboratory to determine their effectiveness and safety.

Question 2

Genes in their natural state cannot be patented. This policy allows research and use of natural products for the common good. What argument might be presented in favor of patenting genes or gene products?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Genes in their natural state cannot be...

Question 3

A restriction fragment is generated by the action of a restriction enzyme (endonuclease).

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes (endonucleases) cut DNA into smaller fragments at specific recognition sites, generating restriction fragments.

Question 4

The Human Genome Project seeks to rid the human population of genetic disease.

Accepted Answer

The Human Genome Project aimed to map and understand all the genes of human beings, not specifically to rid the population of genetic diseases, although understanding genetic diseases better was one of the potential applications of the research.

Question 5

In the past decades, direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have become widespread. Are such tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the past decades, direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic...

Question 6

One of the problems associated with the generation of transgenic plants is that the ecological parameters of many plants are not completely understood.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The ecological parameters of many plants are complex and not fully understood, which can make predicting the impact of introducing transgenic plants into a particular environment challenging.

Question 7

There is a fear that preconception genetic testing may lead to "designer babies." What historical practice comes to mind regarding the production of such babies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of There is a fear that preconception genetic...

Question 8

It is likely that new methods of delivering vaccines will be developed so that traditional injection will be less frequent.

Accepted Answer

There is ongoing research and development in the field of vaccine delivery, such as through nasal sprays or skin patches, that could potentially reduce the need for traditional injection methods.

Question 9

Can human genes be patented?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can human genes be patented?...

Question 10

Describe, in general terms, the aims of gene therapy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe, in general terms, the aims of...

Question 11

Amniocentesis is preferred over chorionic villus sampling because recombinant DNA screening can be achieved with amniocentesis but not with chorionic villus sampling.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. Recombinant DNA screening can actually be achieved with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) as well as amniocentesis. The choice between the two procedures is usually based on factors such as the timing of the procedure, the risk of miscarriage, and the specific medical condition being screened for.

Question 12

Direct-to-consumer provides an accurate assessment of physiological and behavioral circumstances within patients that will eventually replace the need for routine visits to the doctor.

Accepted Answer

While direct-to-consumer technology can provide valuable health data, it is not a replacement for routine visits to the doctor, which can involve physical exams, diagnostic tests, and personalized medical advice. DTC tools should be used as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, medical care from a healthcare professional.

Question 13

Drosophila is a unique candidate for genetic engineering because it is the one prokaryote about which we have a great deal of genetic information.

Accepted Answer

Drosophila is not a prokaryote, it is a eukaryotic insect commonly known as the fruit fly. While Drosophila is a popular model organism for genetic research and much genetic information is available for it, it is not a prokaryote.

Question 14

The Genetic Testing Registry is designed to restrict public access to a variety of genetic processes.

Accepted Answer

The Genetic Testing Registry is actually designed to provide information to the public about genetic tests and their availability, as well as the laboratories that perform them. It is intended to enhance transparency and accessibility in the field of genetic testing.

Question 15

Biotechnology has yet to produce a single useful product for a human health condition.

Accepted Answer

Biotechnology has produced numerous useful products for human health conditions such as vaccines, insulin, growth hormones, and cancer treatments.

Question 16

Alleles that differ by as little as a single nucleotide can be distinguished by synthetic probes known as ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alleles that differ by as little as...

Quiz 22: Applications and Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology