D1.3 Mutations and gene editing (HL only)

What is gene knockout?

• Technique to produce a non-functional gene
• Technique to insert genes
• Technique to amplify DNA
• Technique to sequence DNA

Answer explanation

Gene knockout (KO) is a technique to produce a genetically engineered organism with one non-functional gene, allowing researchers to investigate the function of that gene. The other options describe different genetic techniques.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Which organism is commonly used for gene knockout studies?

• Mouse (Mus musculus)
• Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
• Zebra fish (Danio rerio)
• E. coli (Escherichia coli)

Answer explanation

The mouse (Mus musculus) is a common model organism used for gene knockout studies, due to its physiological similarities to humans. The other organisms are used for different types of genetic studies.

What is the function of the p53 gene in normal cells?

• Regulates the cell cycle
• Initiates apoptosis
• Repairs DNA
• Synthesizes proteins

Answer explanation

The p53 gene directs the synthesis of a protein that regulates the cell cycle. Other functions like initiating apoptosis and repairing DNA are related but not the primary function stated in the context.

Which of the following are examples of model organisms?

• Caenorhabditis elegans (soil roundworm)
• Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly)
• Danio rerio (zebra fish)
• Arabidopsis thaliana (flowering plant)

Answer explanation

All listed organisms are examples of model organisms used to study gene function.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

What is the significance of the Methuselah KO mouse?

• Increased longevity
• Decreased longevity
• Increased metabolic rate
• Increased tumor formation

Answer explanation

The Methuselah KO mouse shows increased longevity, allowing researchers to study the complexity of aging. Other options describe different traits not associated with this knockout mouse.

How do CRISPR sequences help bacteria?

• Recognize and deactivate invading viruses
• Produce energy
• Synthesize proteins
• Regulate cell cycle

Answer explanation

CRISPR sequences help bacteria recognize and deactivate invading viruses. The other options describe different cellular processes.

What enzyme is associated with CRISPR sequences?

Answer explanation

The Cas9 enzyme is associated with CRISPR sequences and is used for cutting DNA at specific target sites. The other enzymes have different functions in DNA/RNA processes.

What does CRISPR stand for?

Answer explanation

CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

What is the primary goal of human gene editing using CRISPR?

• To remove diseased cells and correct genetic mutations
• To amplify DNA
• To sequence DNA
• To create new species

Answer explanation

The primary goal of human gene editing using CRISPR is to remove diseased cells and correct genetic mutations. The other options describe different genetic objectives.

How does CRISPR technology treat sickle cell disease?

• By editing a gene to produce fetal hemoglobin
• By deleting the sickle cell gene
• By amplifying red blood cells
• By sequencing the sickle cell gene

Answer explanation

CRISPR technology treats sickle cell disease by editing a gene to produce fetal hemoglobin, which compensates for the sickle-shaped hemoglobin.