Biology

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

2,033 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

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.

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

The method of correcting the defective genes is called

  1. genetic engineering

  2. gene therapy

  3. somatic hybridization

  4. protoplast fusion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
The use of bioengineered cells and biological techniques to treat human genetic disorder is known as gene therapy. Gene therapy is the transfer of a normal gene into body cells to correct the genetic defect. It can be used to treat genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia and SCID.
The SCID patients have no functioning t lymphocytes and one treated with injections of the white blood cells that have been engineered to carry the normal ADA alleles.
So, the correct option is 'gene therapy'
Multiple choice zoology applications of biotechnology gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

A correction or alleviation of a genetic disorder by the introduction of a normal gene copy into an affected individual is called as

  1. Gene probe

  2. Gene multiplication

  3. Gene therapy

  4. Gene cloning
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Gene cloning is the process of making the copies of gene of interest by locating it in DNA followed by extraction of DNA containing that gene. A probe is a radiolabeled single-stranded DNA/ RNA fragment used to search for a gene of interest or other DNA sequence. For the purpose, the base sequence of probe is complementary to the target sequence to facilitate its base pairing with target gene. Gene multiplication is a mechanism that increase the genes in their number of copies. It is also called as gene amplification and is the source of evolution. Gene therapy is the process of introduction of DNA into living human beings in order to treat disease. It is used to replace a missing gene product or to correct mutant alleles. Correct answer is C.

Multiple choice zoology applications of biotechnology gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

"Introduction of a normal functional gene into cells, in order to replace defective or mutated gene'." is known as 

  1. Biosafety

  2. Biopiracy

  3. Biopatent

  4. Gene therapy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Introduction of a normal functional gene into cells, in order to replace defective or mutated gene is known as gene therapy. It is also called as gene transfer. It is done to correct genetic disorders. Biosafety is the prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity. Biopiracy is the practice of exploiting indigenous knowledge of nature, originating with indigenous peoples without compensation to the indigenous people. Biopatent is a patent granted by the government to the inventor of biological entities.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Gene therapy.'

Multiple choice zoology applications of biotechnology gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

a functional ADAcDNA can be introduced into cells of the patients receiving gene therapy by using vector constituted by

  1. E.coil

  2. Reoviridae

  3. Retrovirus

  4. Agrobacterium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
The deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme adenosine deaminase is associated with severe B and T-cell dysfunction. In order to investigate the ADA molecule, gene therapy using E.coli, cDNA clones encoding ADA gene sequences are obtained.
So the correct option is 'E.coli'.
Multiple choice zoology applications of biotechnology gene therapy application of biology in therapy and vaccine gene cloning

Cystic fibrosis can be treated by .......... gene therapy.

  1. TGP-B

  2. TPA

  3. DNase

  4. BGH
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

DNase (Deoxyribonuclease) is used in cystic fibrosis treatment to break down the thick mucus in the lungs, which is rich in DNA from dead white blood cells. While gene therapy is a research area for cystic fibrosis, DNase is the standard pharmacological treatment listed.