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 zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Which of these is used as vector for gene therapy in SCID and gene cloning in higher organisms?

  1. Retrovirus

  2. Enterovirus

  3. Arbovirus

  4. Rotavirus

  5. Parvovirus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Retroviruses are frequently used as vectors in gene therapy, particularly for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), because they can integrate their genetic material into the host genome.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Due to .......... therapy changes would be heritable.

  1. Magnetic therapy

  2. Somatic cell gene therapy

  3. Germ line gene therapy

  4. Chemotherapy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
Gene therapy is treating the diseases by modifying the gene expression or inserting the deficient gene therapeutically into the patients cells. Gene therapy is of two types, somatic gene therapy and germline gene therapy.
In somatic gene therapy, gene manipulation is done in the cells which will affect the patient but it will not be inherited. In germline gene therapy, gene manipulation is done in the germ cells or the gametes that will be used to conceive. The modified germ cells will produce the gametes having the inserted gene and on fertilisation will produce a zygote that will form the individual in which each and every cell will have the manipulated gene, because every cell descendes from the zygote. Thus, the changes will be heritable.
So, the correct answer is C.
Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Gene therapy is treatment done on

  1. Adults only

  2. Child or embryo only

  3. Pregnant mothers only

  4. Persons of any age and condition
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Gene therapy can theoretically be applied to patients of any age, although the type of therapy (somatic vs germline) and the specific condition dictate the feasibility and ethical considerations.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Identify the wrong statements :


a) Genetic modifications in plants helped to reduce post-harvest losses
b) In Tobacco, cry genes are introduced against nematodes
c) In gene therapy, healthy genes are inserted into persons cells and tissues to treat diseases
d) Injustice, inadequate compensation, and benefit-sharing are related to molecular diagnosis

  1. a, b, c

  2. b, c, d

  3. a, b, d

  4. a, c, d
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement (b) is incorrect because cry genes are used against insects/pests, not nematodes. Statement (d) regarding injustice and benefit-sharing is related to biopiracy and ethical issues in biotechnology, not specifically molecular diagnosis.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

..........is the transfer of normal genes into body cells to correct a genetic defect.

  1. gene therapy

  2. gene mutation

  3. nucleic acid hybridization

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

Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allow correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo. In this method, genes are inserted into a person's cells and tissues to treat a disease. Correction of a genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into the individual or embryo to take over the function of and compensate for the non-functional gene.

So, the correct option is 'gene therapy'.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Gene therapy has been successful in curing genetic diseases in laboratory animals through

  1. Exposure to X-ray to rectify the defective gene

  2. Replacing the defective gene with a functional gene

  3. Oral delivery of genes

  4. Use of therapeutic medicines to rectify the defective genes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The fundamental principle of gene therapy is to replace a defective or missing gene with a functional copy to restore normal cellular function.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

The first clinical gene therapy was done for the treatment of __________.

  1. AIDS

  2. Cancer

  3. Cystic fibrosis

  4. SCID (Serve Combined Immuno Deficiency resulting form deficiency of ADA)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4-years old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency. This enzymes is very important for the immune system to function. ADA deficiency can lead to severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). 

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Which of the following statements regarding gene therapy is/are correct? 

  1. It is an application of biotechnology, in which a defective gene is manipulated by introduction of a normal, healthy and functional gene.

  2. The genetic disorders that are being investigated for gene therapy, range from sickle-cell anemia to server combined immuno-deficiency (SCDI).

  3. The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4-year old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development. Under intensive investigation are, disease ranging from the rare genetic diseases caused by single mutations like sickle cell anaemia to killer diseases such as server combined immuno-deficiency (SCID). The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4-years old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency. This enzymes is very important for the immune system to function. ADA deficiency can lead to severe combined immuno-deficiency (SCID).
So, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.
Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

What is the benefit of using a retrovirus as a vector in gene therapy?

  1. It is not able to enter cells

  2. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary steps

  3. It incorporates the foreign gene into the host chromosome

  4. Both (b) and (C)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Retroviruses are a class of enveloped viruses that contain a single-stranded RNA genome. They are able to efficiently integrate permanently into the human genome after entering cells, where they provide the basis for permanent expression of foreign DNA. They offer several benefits like the integration of the gene of interest into chromosomes, stable expression, reducing a lot of unnecessary steps required when we go by gene therapy by other methods and the unique life cycle of the virus causing no immunogenicity.

So, the correct option is 'Both (b) and (C)'.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

An example of gene therapy is 

  1. Production of injectible hepatitis B vaccine

  2. Production of vaccines in food crops like potatoes which can be eaten.

  3. Introduction of gene for adenosine deaminase in persons suffering from SCID

  4. Production of test tube babies by artificial insemination and implantation of fertilised eggs.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows correction of gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child  for adenosine deaor embryo. An example of gene therapy is the introduction  of geneminase in persons suffering from ADA deficiency, a disorder caused due to the deletion of gene for adenosine deaminase. In some patients , it can be cured by bone marrow transplantation whereas in some by the enzyme replacement therapy

So, the correct option is 'introduction of gene for adenosine deaminase in persons suffering from SCID'

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Gene can therapy can be referred to as  

  1. Pre-clinical testing for inherited diseases in newborns

  2. Treatment of diseases caused by genetic defect

  3. Genetic engineering using rDNA technology

  4. Cancer treatment using in-vitro cultured stem cells
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Gene therapy is a collection of methods, that allows correction of gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo. Correcting of a genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into the individual or embryo to take over the function of and compensate for the non-functional gene.

Multiple choice zoology genetics of the future gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

What might be an advantage of beginning gene therapy prior to birth? 

  1. This would give the body plenty of time to utilize the new genes.

  2. The body would not reject it as it has not yet recognized 'self'.

  3. The cells being extremely young. are more receptive of gene therapy.

  4. There probably is not any advantage.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Gene therapy is a newly emerging branch of biotechnology with tremendous results. It is basically used for correcting genetic disorders. In gene therapy, normal genes are introduced in the cells to replace the missing genes or defective genes. 

Early gene therapy has been proved to be more effective in treating certain brain diseases in humans. They have also shown exemplary results in mice.  
When a child is born, he has its innate immunity, which does not allow any foreign body to settle into its own body easily. But before birth, it has not yet recognized itself, so therapy would be easily accepted.
So the correct answer is B.