Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The two strands of DNA are separated by exposure to heat in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. This process is known as denaturation or melting, and it occurs at high temperatures above 90°C. Heat causes the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs of DNA to break, resulting in the separation of the double helix into two single strands.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Since the scientist is interested in studying DNA regulatory elements, she should prepare a genomic library, which is a collection of all the DNA sequences from an organism's genome. This will allow her to study the regulatory elements within the DNA sequences. A cDNA library, transgenic mouse, Northern blot, or DNA chip may also be useful for further studies, but creating a genomic library is the first step.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The ratio of different-colored fluorescent dyes in microarray technology can be used to infer information about patterns of gene expression, drug activity, and the identity of disease-causing genes. This is because microarrays can measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, allowing researchers to observe the effects of drugs on gene expression and identify genes associated with diseases.

Question 4

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 ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Each individual bacterial colony contains ____ recombinant...

Question 5

The amplification of recombinant plasmids occurs by:

Accepted Answer

The amplification of recombinant plasmids occurs through the process of growth and division of the host cell. As the host cells divide, they will replicate the plasmids along with their own DNA, resulting in an increased number of copies of the recombinant plasmid.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Bacterial colonies that grow on agar plates containing antibiotic are typically the result of transformation with a plasmid that contains an antibiotic resistance gene. Each colony arises from a single bacterium that took up a recombinant plasmid, allowing it to grow in the presence of the antibiotic.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Comparative genomics is the study of comparing genome sequences and functions in order to identify similarities and differences between different species. By studying animal models, scientists can compare and contrast the functions of genes in humans and other animals, which can help to reveal important insights into human health and disease.

Question 8

The polymerase chain reaction was developed by:

Accepted Answer

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed by Kary Mullis in 1983.

Question 9

The chain termination method of DNA sequencing was developed by:

Accepted Answer

The chain termination method of DNA sequencing was developed by Frederick Sanger in the 1970s, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

PCR is easily contaminated with foreign DNA, which can lead to false-positive results. This contamination can occur from sources such as laboratory equipment or reagents, and can seriously affect the reliability of the results. Steps must be taken to control for contamination, such as using separate workspaces for preparing PCR components and performing PCR, using sterile techniques, and regularly monitoring for contamination.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Using RNA interference (RNAi) allows for the targeted silencing of a specific gene, effectively turning it off. By doing this, the effects of the gene's absence can be studied, revealing its function. Choices A, B, C, and E are not correct, as producing an RFLP is a technique used for genotyping, determining the DNA sequence is a separate process, turning the gene on would not reveal its function, and inducing a mutation would alter the gene's sequence and potentially create new functions.

Question 12

Gene targeting:

Accepted Answer

Gene targeting is often used to study the function of specific genes by creating models, such as mice, with targeted mutations. This allows researchers to study the effects of these mutations and gain insights into the functions of orthologous genes, which are genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Southern blotting specifically refers to the transfer of DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose filter, where a probe can be applied. None of the other answer choices accurately describe the process.

Question 14

Figure 15-1  Refer to the accompanying figure. The use of antibiotic medium at the end of this process:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Figure 15-1  Refer to the accompanying...

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Electrophoresis is a technique that can be used to separate DNA molecules on the basis of their size.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

To avoid introns, a cDNA (complementary DNA) copy of mature mRNA is made using reverse transcriptase enzyme. Reverse transcriptase can convert RNA into a complementary DNA strand. DNA polymerase cannot start DNA synthesis without primers and cannot copy RNA directly. RNA polymerase only synthesizes RNA from a DNA template, it cannot make a DNA copy. DNA ligase works to join DNA fragments together but is not involved in making RNA or cDNA copies.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Polymorphism refers to the occurrence of two or more different forms or "variants" of a particular DNA sequence within a population. This variation can be inherited and can arise due to differences in individual mutations, deletions, or insertions. The other options listed are techniques or methods used to study or analyze DNA, rather than a specific genetic variation.

Question 18

Figure 15-1  What process or enzyme was used for Step 1 in the accompanying figure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Figure 15-1  What process or enzyme...

Question 19

Which of the following statements characterizes PCR?

Accepted Answer

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular segment of DNA.

Question 20

cDNA libraries contain:

Accepted Answer

The answer of cDNA libraries contain:
...

Quiz 15: Dna Technology and Genomics