Recombinant DNA Technology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who were the first scientists to be granted a patent for recombinant DNA technology?

Stanley N. Cohen and Herbert Boyer (correct)
Paul Berg and Herbert Boyer
Stanley N. Cohen and Paul Berg
None of the above

When was the first recombinant DNA molecule produced?

1970
1973
1972 (correct)
1980

What role did the scientists mentioned use restriction enzymes for in their work?

They used restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites in order to splice genes. (correct)
They used restriction enzymes to prevent DNA from degrading.
They used restriction enzymes to sequence DNA.
They used restriction enzymes to create copies of DNA.

What year did the first publications on recombinant DNA technology appear?

1972 (A), 1973 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is insertional inactivation?

A technique used to disable the expression of a gene. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'knocking out' a gene in a research setting?

To determine the biological function and importance of the gene. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of inappropriate activation of previously unexpressed host cell genes?

The activation of a gene not normally expressed in that cell type. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used in recombinant DNA technology?

Gene therapy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements BEST describes the relationship between insertional inactivation and recombinant DNA technology?

Insertional inactivation is a result of recombinant DNA technology. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps involves the insertion of a desired DNA sequence into a host cell?

Recombinant molecule inside host cell (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of screening for clones in this process?

To identify host cells that have successfully incorporated the desired DNA sequence (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of 'replicating inside the host cell' referring to?

The multiplication of the recombinant DNA molecule within the host cell (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of selecting recombinant colonies?

To identify colonies containing the desired DNA sequence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the 'expression of recombinant DNA' step?

The desired protein is produced (C) Signup and view all the answers

Name the process that allows for multiple copies of the recombinant molecule to be produced inside the host cell?

DNA replication (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves the analysis of the recombinant DNA molecule?

Screening for clones (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves the production of the desired protein encoded by the inserted gene?

Expression of recombinant DNA (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the FDA's GRAS status for the genetically engineered chymosin?

It is considered a safe alternative to the traditional rennet extraction process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What specific genetic modification is the 'golden rice' variety known for?

Enhanced nutritional content with higher levels of vitamin A. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of introducing the modified EPSPS gene into tobacco plants?

To produce tobacco plants that are resistant to the herbicide Roundup. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an area where recombinant DNA technology is currently being used?

Space exploration (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common use of recombinant DNA technology in medicine?

Production of anti-aging treatments (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does introducing a gene into a zebrafish embryo affect the fish's characteristics?

It can allow the fish to express a new protein, leading to a visible trait. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using microbiologically produced recombinant chymosin compared to traditional rennet extracted from calves?

It is more efficient and economical. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of recombinant DNA technology being widely available in pharmacies, hospitals, research labs, and even pet shops?

It highlights the massive impact and widespread use of recombinant DNA technology in various sectors. (E) Signup and view all the answers

The production of transgenic sheep with the 'gene of interest' (GOI) indicates:

The use of recombinant DNA to produce valuable pharmaceutical proteins in livestock. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of DNA ligase in the process of joining DNA molecules?

DNA ligase joins together two DNA strands by forming phosphodiester bonds between the 5' phosphate and the 3' hydroxyl groups of adjacent nucleotides. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental difference between molecular cloning and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Molecular cloning replicates DNA within a living cell, while PCR replicates DNA in a test tube. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do cloning vectors facilitate the formation of recombinant DNA?

Cloning vectors provide the necessary signals for replication within a living cell. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of recombinant DNA?

Recombinant DNA can be generated via natural processes within an organism. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of restriction endonucleases in the process of creating recombinant DNA?

To generate DNA fragments with either blunt ends or cohesive ends. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does a 'nick' play in the process of DNA ligation?

A nick is a single-stranded break in a DNA molecule, which DNA ligase can seal. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of a cloning vector in the process of recombinant DNA technology?

Cloning vectors are small DNA molecules that can replicate within a living cell and carry foreign DNA sequences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having 'cohesive ends' on DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases?

Cohesive ends allow for the specific pairing of DNA fragments with complementary sequences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential advantage of using PCR over molecular cloning for amplifying DNA sequences?

All of the above are advantages of using PCR over molecular cloning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of a cloning vector that is not shared by other DNA molecules?

They contain specific sequences that allow for the identification of cells containing recombinant DNA. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common example of a cloning vector?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of recombinant DNA technology?

Production of synthetic materials such as plastics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following DNA sequences would most likely be recognized and cleaved by a restriction endonuclease?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between cohesive ends and blunt ends generated by restriction endonucleases?

Cohesive ends have complementary overhangs, while blunt ends are flush with the phosphodiester backbone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'recombinant' in 'recombinant DNA'?

All of the above are accurate interpretations of the term 'recombinant' in relation to recombinant DNA. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA ligase in recombinant DNA technology?

It joins two pieces of DNA together, forming phosphodiester bonds. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a plasmid in the context of recombinant DNA technology?

A circular DNA molecule that can replicate independently within a bacterial cell. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of restriction nucleases/endonucleases/enzymes used in recombinant DNA technology?

They act as vectors for carrying foreign DNA into host cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Asilomar Conference (International Conference on Recombinant DNA Molecules) in the development of recombinant DNA technology?

It led to the development of experimental guidelines and regulations for research involving recombinant DNA. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are cohesive ends in the context of recombinant DNA technology?

Ends of DNA fragments produced by restriction enzymes that can bind to each other due to complementary base pairing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'chimeric DNA' in the context of recombinant DNA technology?

DNA that is composed of genetic material from two or more different species. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the discovery of restriction nucleases/endonucleases/enzymes in the field of recombinant DNA technology?

They allowed scientists to cut DNA at specific sequences, enabling the precise manipulation of genetic material. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using plasmids as vectors in recombinant DNA technology?

Plasmids can replicate independently within host cells, ensuring the amplification of the inserted foreign DNA. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of 'wild type' genes?

They are often altered versions of genes used in research. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'gene cloning' in the context of recombinant DNA technology?

The process of creating multiple identical copies of a specific gene. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does recombinant DNA technology differ from 'natural' genetic recombination?

Recombinant DNA technology involves the deliberate creation of new DNA molecules in the laboratory, while natural genetic recombination occurs within organisms through natural processes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the universal nature of DNA structure across all organisms?

All organisms share a common ancestor. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the production of insulin using recombinant DNA technology considered a significant breakthrough?

It allowed for the mass production of insulin, making it more affordable and accessible to patients. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the potential hazards of recombinant DNA technology raised concerns in the early 1970s?

The possibility of creating new and potentially dangerous pathogens. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between blunt ends and cohesive ends produced by restriction enzymes?

Blunt ends are unable to bind to each other, while cohesive ends can bind due to their complementary base sequences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cohen

A researcher who helped create recombinant DNA technology and received its first patent with Boyer.

Boyer

A researcher at UCSF who collaborated with Cohen to produce recombinant DNA and patented the technology.