Question 1

Which of the following refers to the appropriate handling of infectious agents through the application of proper techniques, equipment, and personal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biosafety refers to the practices, procedures, and policies that are implemented to prevent the unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins, or their accidental release. It encompasses the appropriate handling of infectious agents through the application of proper techniques, equipment, and personal behavior to protect individuals and the environment.

Question 2

The purpose of which of the following was to develop a system to help reduce the threat of misuse of the life sciences, while protecting scientific research and communication to the maximum extent possible?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The purpose of which of the following...

Question 3

It is possible to use what process to create novel biological agents with unique properties?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic biology involves designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, or re-designing existing biological systems for useful purposes, allowing for the creation of novel biological agents with unique properties.

Question 4

The first article submitted to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) was the complete genetic sequencing of what virus from 1918?

Accepted Answer

The first article submitted to the NSABB was the complete genetic sequencing of the 1918 Influenza virus, which was responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic, one of the deadliest in human history.

Question 5

A controversial article, which provides a detailed description of how to contaminate the milk supply with what toxin, was published by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS) and viewed by critics as a road map for bioterrorism?

Accepted Answer

The article in question detailed the use of botulism toxin, which raised concerns about its potential misuse for bioterrorism by providing a detailed methodology for contaminating the milk supply.

Question 6

Biosecurity encompasses the management of biological and environmental risks, whether the risks come from the agents themselves, infectious diseases, invasive species, or biological weapons.

Accepted Answer

Biosecurity involves the prevention, control, and mitigation of risks posed by harmful biological agents, including infectious diseases, invasive species, and biological weapons, to protect public health, agriculture, and the environment.

Question 7

The simple phrase used to distinguish biosafety from biosecurity is, "Biosecurity is about protecting people from bad bugs; biosafety is about protecting bugs from bad people."

Accepted Answer

The phrase is actually reversed: "Biosafety is about protecting people from bad bugs; biosecurity is about protecting bugs from bad people." Biosafety focuses on preventing unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins, while biosecurity is concerned with preventing the loss, theft, misuse, diversion, unauthorized access, or intentional release of potentially dangerous biological materials.

Question 8

Dual use research of concern (DURC) is legitimate life sciences research that is intended for benefit, but which might yield information and technology that can easily be misapplied for malevolent purposes.

Accepted Answer

Dual use research of concern (DURC) refers to research in the life sciences that, while intended for beneficial purposes, could be repurposed to serve harmful ends, such as in the development of biological weapons or in facilitating the spread of infectious diseases.

Question 9

Some gain-of-function studies may entail biosafety and biosecurity risks that require unique risk assessment and mitigation measures.

Accepted Answer

Gain-of-function studies, which involve enhancing the ability of a pathogen to cause disease, can pose significant biosafety and biosecurity risks. These risks necessitate careful risk assessment and the implementation of specific mitigation measures to prevent accidental release or misuse of potentially dangerous pathogens.

Question 10

The overall body of laws and regulations on select agents makes it easier for scientists to acquire and work with certain agents.

Accepted Answer

The laws and regulations on select agents are designed to ensure safety and security, making the process of acquiring and working with these agents more controlled and restrictive to prevent misuse or accidental release.

Quiz 6: Biosecurity