DNA Extraction and Selective Breeding Quiz

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Which of the following best describes the role of a lysis buffer in DNA extraction?

To break down the cell membrane and release cellular contents including DNA. (correct)

To protect the DNA by inhibiting enzyme activity.

To bind to the histones making them soluble and easier to remove by centrifugation.

To precipitate the DNA out of solution by altering the pH.

What is the primary reason that salt is added during the DNA extraction process?

To dissolve the DNA into a solution.

To inhibit the function of proteinase K.

To cause proteins and other cellular debris to clump together and precipitate out of solution. (correct)

To stabilize the DNA molecules by reducing the interaction with free radicals.

How does marker-assisted selection enhance selective breeding practices?

By measuring the chemical composition of multiple generations of offspring.

By directly altering the DNA sequences associated with specific traits.

By increasing the rate of genetic mutation among the offspring so they can be selected.

By enabling the identification and selection of individuals based on the presence of genetic markers. (correct)

Which of the following is considered a significant controversy related to selective breeding?

The potential for decreased genetic variation, making populations more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Proteinase K in the process of DNA extraction?

To digest and remove histones associated with DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of plasmids in the process of creating recombinant DNA?

To serve as vectors, carrying the desired DNA into bacterial cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of restriction enzymes in DNA manipulation?

To cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of restriction enzymes is essential for creating recombinant DNA with sticky ends?

They recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences, leaving unpaired bases. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does the presence of a selectable marker, such as antibiotic resistance, provide in genetic engineering?

It helps in identifying which bacteria cells have successfully integrated the modified plasmid. Signup and view all the answers

What critical role do primers play during the annealing step of PCR?

They provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to attach. Signup and view all the answers

During gel electrophoresis, which characteristic of DNA fragments is primarily used for separation?

The overall size and fragment length Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use the same restriction enzyme to cut both the desired gene and the plasmid?

To create complementary ‘sticky ends’ that can easily be joined together. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a genetically modified organism to be considered transgenic?

It contains genes derived from a different species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between 'sticky ends' and 'blunt ends' created by restriction enzymes?

Sticky ends have unpaired bases, while blunt ends have no unpaired bases. Signup and view all the answers

Which step in PCR requires a temperature of approximately 98°C and why?

Denaturation, to break the hydrogen bonds between DNA strands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using restriction enzymes in DNA fingerprinting?

To cut DNA into fragments of varying lengths based on sequence differences. Signup and view all the answers

In gel electrophoresis, what property of DNA molecules causes them to migrate through the gel?

The negative charge of the phosphate groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used before restriction enzyme digestion in DNA fingerprinting?

To increase the concentration of the DNA sample. Signup and view all the answers

During gel electrophoresis, what is the relationship between the size of a DNA fragment and its migration distance?

Smaller fragments move farther than larger fragments because they encounter less resistance. Signup and view all the answers

In DNA fingerprinting, what does a high degree of similarity in band patterns between two DNA samples suggest?

The samples may be from individuals who are related, with a closer relationship indicated by more similar patterns. Signup and view all the answers

If two DNA samples produce identical banding patterns after gel electrophoresis, what can be inferred?

The DNA samples are likely from the same source or closely related individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of DNA fingerprinting?

Predicting which genes will be expressed in a specific individual due to epigenetic factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Human Genome Project aim to accomplish?

To identify and understand the entire base sequence of the human genome and the location of all its genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size of the human genome in base pairs, as determined by the Human Genome Project?

3 billion base pairs. Signup and view all the answers

How does studying the DNA of individuals with and without inherited diseases contribute to the development of cures?

It allows researchers to target the exact differences in DNA leading to the disease, to create potential treatments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential benefit of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Enhanced resistance to pests and herbicides. Signup and view all the answers

A significant concern regarding the use of GMOs is the possibility of cross-pollination. What is one of the primary negative impacts of this cross-pollination?

Development of herbicide-resistant weeds and grasses. Signup and view all the answers

How can GMOs potentially contribute to a reduction in deforestation?

By increasing the productivity of crops and resistance to pests, reducing the need to clear land. Signup and view all the answers

Which potential danger of GMOs involves the risk of creating new substances that could trigger reactions in humans?

Production of allergens and toxins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential application of transgenic bacteria?

Producing large quantities of human growth hormone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of introducing a daffodil gene into rice, as demonstrated by golden rice?

To increase the amount of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Signup and view all the answers

What application of GMO technology is highlighted when creating glow-in-the-dark animals?

Facilitating visual identification as a biomarker. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern regarding the use of GM crops that produce their own pest toxins?

The accelerated evolution of resistant pest species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of CRISPR in bacteria?

To serve as a defense mechanism against viral infections. Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher is looking to make a single base change in a DNA sequence WITHOUT cutting the DNA, which CRISPR-based tool would be most suitable?

Base editors for making single base changes. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is utilizing CRISPR technology to permanently alter a gene's expression levels by either promoting or hindering its transcription. Which type of CRISPR modification is most applicable?

CRISPR-based activators and repressors that don't cut DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a known limitation associated with CRISPR technology?

It has a tendency to sometimes target regions in the genome that are not intended. Signup and view all the answers

The genetic code's universality is crucial to the development of genetically modified organisms. Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding this concept?

It allows for genes from any organism to be expressed in another organism and create the same protein. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to engineer a 'transgenic organism'?

Introducing foreign DNA from a different species into an organism's genome. Signup and view all the answers

A bacteria has been genetically engineered to produce human insulin. What is the name for this type of modified organism?

A transgenic organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of modifying plants like Golden Rice through genetic engineering?

To introduce specific traits or improve nutritional content. Signup and view all the answers