eoc review biotech

Scientists can use a virus as a vector to insert a gene directly into a target cell in someone’s body. What is this technique called?

• genetic cloning

• human gene therapy

• DNA microinjection

• embryonic stem cell transfer

Biologists estimate that climate change will result in a minimum of 15–40% of species becoming extinct by the year 2050. How might the creation of transgenic organisms help reduce the number of species lost?

• by increasing the chances of restoring a species if it goes extinct

• by reducing the possibility of a species dying from mutated viruses

• by creating new plant species that are less susceptible to climate changes

• by helping endangered species to adapt more rapidly to environmental changes

Some microorganisms are able to consume and detoxify hazardous substances, so they are often used to clean up industrial waste and oil spills. However, these bacteria cannot survive in just any environment. What is the MOST likely method scientists use to increase the effectiveness of detoxifying microorganisms in harsh environments?

• Release larger than normal concentrations of commonly used strains of detoxifying bacteria into the spill area.

• Use bacterial transformation to insert genes for detoxifying enzymes into bacteria from that environment.

• Rely on local populations of microorganisms to adapt to the toxic substances through natural adaptation processes.

• Add chemical agents that increase the surface area of hazardous substances exposed to detoxifying microorganisms.

Maggie is a transgenic goat. How does being transgenic make Maggie different from non-transgenic goats?

• Maggie has DNA from both of her parents.

• Maggie has DNA that winds around proteins.

• Maggie has DNA implanted from another organism.

• Maggie has DNA that uses a different coding system.

Which of the following is a common procedure scientists use to insert a gene into a plasmid?

• attach sticky ends to the gene sequence

• combine all of the alleles in a single strand

• add a stop codon to the 5’ end of the gene

• create an RNA complement to the fragment

Which statement describes the MOST likely effect of transformation on bacteria such as E. coli?

• Transformed bacteria express a new protein product.

• Transformed bacteria have multiple chromosomes.

• Transformed bacteria reproduce more quickly.

• Transformed bacteria become a new species.

Researchers are using selective breeding to improve the nutritional value of certain plants. Which statement BEST explains why improving the nutritional value of plants by selective breeding is beneficial to consumers?

• Nutrient-rich plants require increased types of resources in order to grow.

• Selectively bred plants will absorb increased amounts of nutrients from the soil.

• An increased availability of foods from nutrient-rich plants decreases malnutrition.

• The production of nutrients in foods from selectively bred plants decreases the incidence of disease in plants.

Scientists have recently spliced human liver cells into the livers of mice. Scientists will MOST likely use this research to develop a better understanding of which?

• the function of the liver in mammals

• the response of the human liver to experimental drugs

• the role of antibodies manufactured by the liver in the human immune system

• the relationship between human genes and mouse genes in controlling liver development