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

Which of the following best describes 'pharming'?

  1. Large-scale production of cloned animals

  2. Animals being used in transgenic research

  3. Synthesis of a drug by a transgenic animal

  4. Synthesis of recombinant drugs by bacteria

  5. Plants making genetically-altered foods
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'Pharming' is the synthesis of a drug by a transgenic animal.

Multiple choice

The full form of GEAC is

  1. Genetic Engineering Approval Council

  2. Genetic Engineering Approval Commission

  3. Genomic Engineering Action Committee

  4. Genetic Engineering Approval Committee

  5. Genetic Engineering Action Committee
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The correct expansion of GEAC is Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.

Multiple choice

Plants whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called genetically modified (GM) plants. GM plants have been useful in many ways. Which of the following is incorrect about GM plants?

  1. Enhanced nutritional value of food like golden rice

  2. Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants to prevent early exhaustion of fertility of soil

  3. Helped to decrease post-harvest losses

  4. Made crops less tolerant to abiotic stresses like cold, drought, salt and heat
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Genetic modification made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses like cold, drought, salt and heat.

Multiple choice

From which of the following organisms are Ti plasmids isolated?

  1. Bacillus thuringiensis

  2. Rhizobium leguminosarum

  3. Agrobacterium tumefaciens

  4. Thermus aquaticus

  5. Escherichia coli
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Ti plasmids are isolated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Tumor inducing plasmids are double stranded circular DNA present in Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Genetically modified crops are plants, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.
  2. Genetically modified crops are also known as biotech crops.
  3. Genetic engineering techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis.

Which of the statements given is/are true?

  1. Only 1 & 2

  2. Only 1 & 3

  3. Only 1

  4. 1, 2 & 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Genetically modified crops (GM crops, or biotech crops) are plants, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering techniques, to resist pests and agents causing harm to plants and to improve the growth of these plants to assist in farmer's efficiency. Genetic engineering techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis (mutation breeding) where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change.

Multiple choice

Scientists in which of the following countries were successful in creation of Human Embryo by the process of cloning?

  1. Japan

  2. South Korea

  3. Britain

  4. Germany

  5. Sweden
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

South Korea is correct. In 2005, South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk claimed to have created human embryonic stem cells through cloning, though this was later exposed as fraudulent. However, at the time this question was written, it was considered correct. Japan has had notable achievements in cloning, but the major human cloning controversy of that era centered on South Korean scientists.

Multiple choice

Why is Agrobacterium tumefasciens known as “natural genetic engineer”?

  1. It has the natural ability to insert a part of its plasmid DNA into a plant’s genomic DNA.

  2. It contains a plasmid that can cut out genes from the plant genome.

  3. It contains a gene that codes for a protein similar to human insulin.

  4. It causes tumors in plants and changes its protein expression.

  5. Its plasmid codes for an insecticidal toxin-producing gene.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Agrobacterium tumefasciens has a tumor-inducing plasmid, which has a specific region called T-DNA. This T-DNA gets integrated in the plant genome. Since it happens as a natural phenomenon, the bacterium is called a natural genetic engineer.

Multiple choice

In which of the following stages of genetic engineering is a probe used?

  1. Cutting the target DNA

  2. Cloning rDNA

  3. Screening for recombinants

  4. Recombination of target DNA and vector

  5. Insertion of rDNA in a host cell
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

To know which host cells have taken up the recombined DNA, a radioactive nucleic acid probe, complementary to the gene of interest is added to the growth media. It enters the cells and if a cell contains the gene of interest, it binds to that region of DNA. The colony that emits radioactivity indicates the presence of the gene.

Multiple choice

Why are bacteria an ideal choice for host cells?

  1. Bacteria are small in size.

  2. Bacteria have a rigid cell wall.

  3. Bacteria multiply rapidly.

  4. Bacteria have a single circular chromosome.

  5. Bacteria produce antibiotics.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Bacteria multiply at astounding rates. E. coli forms visible colonies within 24 hours. Hence, it is quick and easy to deal with.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements: (1) A clone is a genetically modified copy of an organism. (2) A chromosome is a subunit of a gene.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only (1)

  2. Only (2)

  3. Both (1) and (2)

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

Statement (1) is incorrect. Cloning is a process used to make an identical copy of DNA fragments (molecular cloning), cells (cell cloning), or organisms. Statement (2) is incorrect.  A gene is a subunit of DNA, which is a further subunit of chromosome.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), an Indian Biotechnology research center, is located in Bangalore.
  2. The change in genetic makeup takes place during vegetative propagation of plants.

Which of the given statements is/are incorrect?

  1. Only (1)

  2. Only (2)

  3. Both (1) and (2)

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

Statement (1) is incorrect. Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), an Indian Biotechnology research center, is located in Hyderabad. Statement (2) is also incorrect. The change in genetic makeup takes place only during the sexual reproduction. In vegetative propagation, a part/portion of a plant is cultivated that gives rise to the new plant. E.g. Bud grafting, layering, etc