Biology

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

2,010 Questions

Genetic engineering and biotechnology involve modifying organism DNA to develop transgenic crops, medical treatments, and industrial solutions. This field covers essential techniques like hybridoma technology, molecular markers, and gene transfer in eukaryotic cells. These biology topics are essential for aspirants preparing for various competitive examinations.

Genetic engineering techniquesTransgenic organismsIndustrial biotechnologyGMOs and bioremediation

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Questions

Multiple choice

Kohler and Milstein developed biotechnology for

  1. monoclonal antibodies

  2. steroid synthesis

  3. immobilisation of enzymes

  4. myeloma
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Monoclonal antibodies are pure, high affinity antibodies, specific for an antigen, which are obtained outside the body from clonal cultures of hybridoma cells. Monoclonal antibodies were first obtained by George Kohler and Cesar Milstein in 1974.

Multiple choice

A transgene can

  1. prevent the expression of a native gene

  2. modify an existing biosynthetic pathway

  3. produce a protein that itself produces a phenotype of interest

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

 The correct answer is option 4.

Multiple choice

Electroporation in genetics is

  1. introduction of genetic material to a transgenic animal

  2. introduction of genetic material through viruses

  3. manipulation of cells by exposing them to strong electrical field

  4. injecting DNA into the egg through electrophoresis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Electroporation is a technique used to add certain substances, such as a piece of DNA, into the host cell.

Multiple choice

Consider the following facts:

  1. The Cartagena Protocol seeks to prevent harm caused to the environment from genetically modified organisms.
  2. The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to Cartagena Protocol, and seeks to regulate trans-border movement of genetically modified species.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity. It provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international agreement on biosafety, as a supplement to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Biosafety Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by genetically modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.

Multiple choice

Genetically engineered microorganisms are exploited now days for human advantage. “Superbug” is a term coined for genetically engineered microorganism which produces _________.

  1. hydrocarbon

  2. enzyme

  3. insulin

  4. antibiotic
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hydrocarbon: “Superbug” are antibiotic resistant bacteria that are genetically modified. They are exploited for hydrocarbon production because hydrocarbon production media are generally contaminated with antibiotics.

Multiple choice

A regulator gene can

  1. alters the expression of another gene

  2. alters the sex of an adult human

  3. initiates the expression of another gene

  4. not code for repressor proteins
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Regulator genes control the timing and duration of production of a variety of substances such as proteins in our bodies.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the aim of HAT (hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine) selection technique?

  1. B-cell differentiation

  2. Generating antibody diversity

  3. Generating monoclonal antibodies

  4. Generating mutant species
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

HAT (hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine) selection technique is used for generating monoclonal antibodies. Briefly, HAT selection implies the use of HAT medium. Unfused myeloma (HGPRT negative) cells are killed by aminopterin which interferes with the conversion of tetrahydrofoliate to dihydrofoliate and prevents a series of carbon transfers. Unfused normal spleen cells die because they are not able to grow for long periods. Thus, only the fused hybridoma cells survive on this medium.

Multiple choice

Exome analysis is useful in

  1. complete analysis of genes of an organism

  2. sequencing of intervening sequences

  3. getting information about protein coding sequences

  4. All of the above

  5. Only 2 and 3

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Exons are protein coding sequences of gene. In exome analysis, exons are sequenced.

Multiple choice

In biotechnology, dioxygenin is used for

  1. detection of fluid mosaic model of biological membranes

  2. detection of protein in the sample

  3. detecting antibodies

  4. detection of nucleic acids

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Dioxygenin is useful for the labelling and detection of nucleic acids.

Multiple choice

A genetically modified version of cotton plant has been experimented at several farms this year in Bathinda region to ward off pest attacks on the crop. The scientists who have made the version of cotton claimed that the recent decrease in pest attacks in those farms shows that the genetically modified crops help counter pest attacks on crops.

Which of the following, if true, would cast the greatest doubt on the scientists' claim?

  1. The recent decrease in pest attacks in those farms was not as successful as expected of the results from such plants.

  2. A genetically modified plant would ultimately be finished after yielding a crop. So, new genetically modified plants would need to be added to the farms every three months to get a new crop.

  3. A genetically modified crop hormone produced using different methods, which the scientists had developed at an earlier period, was ineffective in warding off pest attacks.

  4. The recent lack of pest attacks in those farms is the same as the recent lack of pest attacks in other farms of the same region which didn’t use genetically modified plants.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The conclusion is that the genetically modified cotton plants caused the decrease in number of pest attacks. To weaken this, look for another cause. This shows that the pest attacks were averted even in those farms, which didn’t grow those crops.