Biotechnology Quiz

Which of the following can be considered traditional biotechnologies?

• breeding and selection

• fermentation

• mutation breeding

• all the above

Answer explanation

All the options listed—breeding and selection, fermentation, and mutation breeding—are traditional biotechnologies. Therefore, the correct answer is 'all the above'.

Modern biotechnology has been applied in a wide range of areas including:

• Agriculture

• Food processing

• Production of pharmaceuticals

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Modern biotechnology is utilized in various fields, including agriculture for crop improvement, food processing for enhanced safety and quality, and pharmaceuticals for drug development. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Which one of the following traits is not a direct benefit of modern biotechnology in agriculture?

• biofortified crops

• high yielding crops

• herbicide tolerant crops

• insect resistant crops

Answer explanation

Biofortified crops are designed to improve nutritional content, which is not a direct benefit of modern biotechnology focused on yield, herbicide tolerance, and insect resistance. Thus, biofortified crops are the correct choice.

It is important that modern biotechnology products are subjected to Risk Assessment before they are put to their intended use because __________.

• they are dangerous to human health and the environment

• they may have adverse effects on human health and the environment

• only products with zero risk can contribute to sustainable development

• it provides a sound basis for decision making and development of appropriate risk management measures

Answer explanation

Modern biotechnology products may have adverse effects on human health and the environment, making risk assessment crucial to identify and mitigate potential risks before their use.

Which biotechnology is used to make exact DNA copies of an organism?

• cloning

• gel electrophoresis

• genetic engineering

• inbreeding

Answer explanation

Cloning is the biotechnology used to create exact DNA copies of an organism, producing genetically identical individuals. Other options like genetic engineering and gel electrophoresis do not specifically create exact copies.

What information must be known before a gene can be inserted into a bacterium?

• DNA sequence of the gene

• mRNA sequence of the gene

• protein sequence of the gene

• tRNA sequence of the gene

Answer explanation

To insert a gene into a bacterium, the DNA sequence of the gene must be known. This sequence is essential for cloning and expressing the gene in the bacterial host, while mRNA, protein, and tRNA sequences are not directly required.

Why do farmers choose to use GM crops rather than regular crops?

• They are safer

• They are more productive

• They are less expensive

• They are less controversial.

Answer explanation

Farmers choose GM crops because they are more productive. These crops are engineered to resist pests and diseases, leading to higher yields compared to regular crops, which can be crucial for meeting food demand.

If you want to make a GM crop that is purple, what is the first thing you need to do?

• Find a plant that is naturally purple

• Paint a plant purple

• Use an enzyme to cut a gene out of a plant

• Use a virus to insert a gene into a plant

Answer explanation

To create a purple GM crop, the first step is to find a plant that is naturally purple. This provides a genetic basis for introducing the desired color traits into other plants through genetic modification.

What is one significant issue with many Genetically Modified Organisms?

• They are too expensive to be useful

• Take a long time to make

• May affect other organisms in their environment

• Might evolve more quickly

Answer explanation

One significant issue with many Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is that they may affect other organisms in their environment, potentially disrupting ecosystems and harming biodiversity.

Which would a person who pursues a career in bioinformatics study?

• ways DNA stores information

• ways of cross-breeding animals

• ways of cross-breeding plants

• ways of storing and retrieving biological data

Answer explanation

A person in bioinformatics studies ways of storing and retrieving biological data, as this field combines biology, computer science, and information technology to analyze biological data, particularly genetic information.