Genetic Engineering Practice

Bacteria cells can be used to produce insulin for the treatment of diabetes in humans. Which best explains how the bacteria cells are able to produce insulin for humans?

• The bacteria have been grown on a petri dish containing insulin.

• The bacteria have been genetically engineered to contain the DNA needed to produce insulin.

• The bacteria have been exposed to radioactivity to create mutant strains capable of producing insulin.

• The bacteria have been grown on a petri dish containing sugar; the bacteria produce insulin in response to the sugar.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the bacteria have been genetically engineered to contain the DNA needed to produce insulin. This allows them to synthesize insulin, which is essential for diabetes treatment in humans.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

Restriction enzymes are used to ___ DNA.

• glue together

• cut

• reconnect

• exchange

Answer explanation

Restriction enzymes are specialized proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences. This cutting action is essential for various molecular biology techniques, making 'cut' the correct answer.

What is recombinant DNA?

• Adding DNA from one organism into the DNA of another

• DNA which has been changed over generations by natural selection

• DNA that causes genetic disorders

• DNA that has been sequenced

Answer explanation

Recombinant DNA is formed by adding DNA from one organism into the DNA of another, allowing for genetic modification. This distinguishes it from other options, which do not accurately describe recombinant DNA.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Choose the statement that best describes gene therapy.

• the process of producing crops that are resistant to insects

• the process of using DNA taken from a crime scene to identify a suspect

• the process of inserting normal genes into human cells to correct genetic disorders

• the process of creating an identical organism or gene

Answer explanation

Gene therapy specifically involves inserting normal genes into human cells to correct genetic disorders, making it the best description among the options provided.

If a farmer asked the ethical question "What are the long-term effects of creating crops that are immune to pesticides and diseases?" what topic would they discussing?

• GMOs

• Cloning

• DNA fingerprinting

• Gene therapy

Answer explanation

The farmer's question about crops immune to pesticides and diseases relates to GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), which are engineered for such traits. This topic directly addresses the ethical implications of modifying crops.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Another name for GMO (Genetically Modified Organsim) is ____________.

• Transgenic

• Transplanted

• Transducted

• Plasmid

Answer explanation

Another name for GMO is 'transgenic', which refers to organisms that have been genetically modified to contain genes from other species. The other options do not accurately describe GMOs.

Which of the following is a protein that acts as DNA "scissors"?

• plasmid

• restriction enzyme

• ligase

• protein expression

Answer explanation

A restriction enzyme is a protein that cuts DNA at specific sequences, acting as 'scissors' for DNA. Plasmids are DNA molecules, ligase joins DNA fragments, and protein expression refers to the process of producing proteins.

DNA containing genes from two or more organisms is called __________________.

• a plasmid.

• a polyploid.

• a hybrid organism.

• recombinant DNA.

Answer explanation

DNA containing genes from two or more organisms is called recombinant DNA. This term specifically refers to the artificial combination of genetic material from different sources.

This is the practice of inserting the DNA of another species into an organism's DNA so that the organism gains a new trait.

• Cloning

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Genetic Engineering

• DNA Fingerprinting

Answer explanation

The practice described is known as Genetic Engineering, where DNA from one species is inserted into another to impart new traits. This distinguishes it from Cloning, Gel Electrophoresis, and DNA Fingerprinting.

Inserting human DNA into a bacterial plasmid to create insulin-producing bacteria is an example of:

• Recombinant DNA

• DNA fingerprinting

• Cloning

• Selective breeding

Answer explanation

Inserting human DNA into a bacterial plasmid to produce insulin is a classic example of recombinant DNA technology, where DNA from different sources is combined to create new genetic combinations.