Biology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of combining two DNA sequences through genetic engineering in crops?

To increase the shelf life of the crops

To enhance the taste of the produce

To make crops resistant to diseases caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria (correct)

To improve the nutrient content of the crops

Which of the following best describes the effects of injecting growth hormones into livestock?

It decreases the quality of milk produced

It increases the milk production in dairy cows (correct)

It reduces the feed consumption of the livestock

It helps in weight reduction of the livestock

What advantage does gene editing provide for chicks at the Roslin Institute?

It allows them to grow faster than unedited chicks

It improves their ability to withstand cold temperatures

It interrupts the transmission of avian flu even if the virus mutates (correct)

It enhances their ability to produce eggs

What is a notable benefit of genetically modified potatoes compared to regular potatoes?

Resistance to bruising and potentially less acrylamide production Signup and view all the answers

What concerns are commonly associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Safety testing, food labeling, environmental hazards, and health risks Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental risk associated with GMO crops that express the Bt toxin?

They might be harmful to non-target organisms consuming the plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with featherless chickens?

Resistance to diseases Signup and view all the answers

What health risk is commonly associated with GMOs?

Allergic reactions to GMO products Signup and view all the answers

What economic issue is primarily linked to GM foods?

Long and costly processes to market GM foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of DNA in a cell?

To direct the cell to make proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential concern related to gene-edited pigs?

They are genetically modified to resist PRRS virus. Signup and view all the answers

Which bases correctly pair according to Chargaff's rules?

A with T and G with C Signup and view all the answers

What are the smaller bases in DNA known as?

Pyrimidines Signup and view all the answers

During DNA replication, how many daughter molecules are formed?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about chromosomes is true?

They consist of two identical sister chromatids Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic composition of a protein?

Amino acids linked by peptide bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the DNA structure is termed the centromere?

The area where sister chromatids are joined Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the process of gene expression?

Transcribing DNA into RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of genetic engineering?

To deliberately modify an individual's genome Signup and view all the answers

What are restriction enzymes commonly referred to as?

Molecular scissors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes transgenic organisms?

Organisms with inserted genes from a different species Signup and view all the answers

What role does DNA ligase play in recombinant DNA technology?

It causes strong bonds to form between DNA ends Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the process of genetic engineering as described?

Polymerase chain reaction Signup and view all the answers

What does selective breeding aim to achieve?

To produce organisms with desired traits Signup and view all the answers

What is hybridization in the context of genetics?

Crossbreeding organisms with similar traits Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do pest-resistant crops provide?

Resistance to destructive insects Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of protein synthesis?

Transcription Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RNA carries the instructions to build proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

It transports amino acids to the ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What codon signals the beginning of protein synthesis?

AUG Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a mutation?

A change in the order of bases in DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of mutations involves the removal of a base?

Deletion Signup and view all the answers

What does the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determine?

The type of amino acids added to the protein chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of repair enzymes related to DNA?

They monitor DNA for errors and repair them. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RNA serves as the site for protein synthesis?

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes mutations in DNA?

Environmental factors and inherited factors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 1: Genetics

Genes are segments of DNA that determine organisms' physical traits. They are located in chromosomes within the cell nucleus.
DNA is a material found in every cell, holding the genetic code.
Chromosomes are composed of identical sister chromatids, densely packed and constricted at the centromere. They carry the genetic code.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) directs protein synthesis, which determines cell characteristics. DNA is a double helix structure formed by nucleotides.
Nucleotides are the subunits of DNA. Purines (Adenine and Guanine) and pyrimidines (Cytosine and Thymine) are the bases within the nucleotides.
Chargaff's rules: Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine.
DNA Replication: The process of copying DNA to produce two identical strands, each with one original and one new strand.
Proteins are the tools of heredity, composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, performing various functions.
Protein Synthesis: The creation of proteins using the instructions in DNA. It occurs in two stages: transcription and translation.
Transcription: The process where mRNA is synthesized from DNA.
Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries genetic instructions from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Codons: A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that determines a particular amino acid.
Translation: The process of assembling a protein from amino acids using mRNA instructions by ribosomes.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): Carries specific amino acids to ribosomes, using their anticodons to match mRNA codons and align amino acids following the order.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Forms the structure of the ribosome, the site of protein synthesis.
Gene Expression: The use of genetic information in DNA to produce proteins, also known as protein synthesis.
Mutations: Changes in DNA sequences, which can occur through deletion, insertion, or substitution of bases. This may impact organisms' function.

II. Genetic Engineering

Genome: The complete set of DNA in an organism, which holds all genetic instructions.
Transgenic: Organisms with a modified or inserted gene from another species.
Selective Breeding: Selecting organisms with desirable traits for breeding.
Hybridisation: Crossing different varieties to produce offspring with enhanced traits.
Recombinant DNA Technology: Combining DNA sequences from different sources to create new genetic combinations.
This enables the production of various products.
Restriction Enzymes: Enzymes used to cut DNA at specific sequences.
DNA Ligase: An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A technique for amplifying DNA sequences.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms): Organisms with modified traits through genetic engineering.

Concerns Regarding GMOs

Environmental Hazards
GM plants may harm other organisms.
Health Risks
Concerns about allergies or other health issues linked to GM foods.
Economic Issues
High costs and return-on-investment challenges to create GM products.

Specific Applications of GMOs

Livestock Improvement
Mass-produced Drugs
Vaccines
Pest-resistant Crops
Disease-resistant Crops
Genetically Modified Crops

Additional Notes

Patent infringement is a major issue in agricultural businesses.
Various methods exist to clone particular genes for various functions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles and effects of genetic engineering in agriculture. This quiz covers various aspects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their benefits, risks, and the fundamental role of DNA. Explore key concepts related to DNA, gene editing, and the implications of biotechnology in crops and livestock.