Biochemistry of Cell Constituents

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What is the function of glycogen in animals, fungi, and bacteria?

Energy storage (correct)

Structural support

Lipid modification

Protein synthesis

What is the primary constituent of organic matter in plants?

Nucleic acids

Proteins

Lipids

Carbohydrates (correct)

In which type of cells are polysaccharides rich?

Liver and muscle cells (correct)

Plant cells

Animal cells

Fat tissue cells

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Energy storage Signup and view all the answers

In which type of cells are lipids rich?

Fat tissue cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of essential amino acids for humans and other animals?

Plant cells Signup and view all the answers

What is biotechnology?

Using living organisms, or the products of living organisms, for human benefit Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of fermentation in biotechnology?

The use of yeast in bread making and alcohol production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of DNA cloning?

To work directly with specific genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of DNA cloning?

Multiple copies of a specific gene or DNA segment Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge to biologists early in the 20th century?

The identification of the molecules of inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of glucosinolates?

They contain both sulfur and nitrogen atoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of plant secondary metabolites in the plant itself?

To defend against predators and diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the leaching or percolation extraction method?

The solvent passes through the biomass Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of plant secondary metabolites that contribute to the flavor and taste of herbs?

Phenolics, flavanoids, and coumarins Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the purification process in plant metabolite extraction?

To remove impurities and produce a high-quality extract Signup and view all the answers

What is a microbe?

A minute living organism, such as a bacterium, yeast, or fungus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of biofortification?

To increase the nutritional value of crops Signup and view all the answers

What is the conventional method of biofortification?

Selective breeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of genetic modification in biofortification?

To introduce foreign genes for increased nutrient production Signup and view all the answers

What is golden rice?

A biofortified rice produced through genetic engineering Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of golden rice?

The human body can convert the beta-carotene in the rice grain to vitamin A Signup and view all the answers

Why is vitamin A important in golden rice?

It is lacking in the diets of the world's poorest children Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of developing Golden Rice?

To raise the levels of vitamin A in children deficient in this micronutrient Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern related to the health benefits of Golden Rice?

Vitamin A is fat-soluble and children with VAD rarely have fats in their diet Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if a transfer gene interrupts a promoter region?

It can cause a resident gene to be over expressed and result in increased toxicity Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to predict allergenicity in GM foods?

Because a gene extracted from one source may not be allergenic but can cross react with other proteins or be over expressed in the transgenic product Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before approving GM foods for mass production and sale?

They should be rigorously tested before approval for mass production and sale Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential problem with gene insertion in GM foods?

It can silence an endogenous gene and cause a decreased nutritional value of the progeny plant Signup and view all the answers