Maxam-Gilbert DNA Sequencing Method Quiz

Who were the scientists credited with developing the Maxam-Gilbert DNA sequencing method?

• Frederick Sanger and Paul Berg

• Walter Gilbert and Alan Maxam

• James Watson and Francis Crick

• Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins

What is the primary function of the chemicals used in the Maxam-Gilbert method?

• To label DNA with fluorescent dyes

• To cleave DNA at specific bases

• To amplify DNA sequences

• To synthesize new DNA strands

Which base does the first chemical in the Maxam-Gilbert method specifically target for cleavage?

• Cytosine

• Guanine

• Thymine

• Adenine

Why is it important to label DNA fragments with a radioactive isotope in the Maxam-Gilbert method?

• To enhance the cleavage process

• To prevent contamination

• To visualize the fragments during analysis

• To increase the speed of the reaction

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in the Maxam-Gilbert method?

• To separate DNA fragments based on size

• To synthesize new DNA strands

• To cleave DNA at specific sites

• To label DNA with isotopes

In gel electrophoresis, why do smaller DNA fragments travel further than larger ones?

• They are more stable

• They encounter less resistance

• They are more reactive

• They have a higher charge

What type of gel is typically used in the electrophoresis step of the Maxam-Gilbert method?

• Polyacrylamide gel

• Agarose gel

• Starch gel

• Cellulose gel

How do you determine the sequence of a DNA fragment using gel electrophoresis results?

• By measuring the intensity of the bands

• By counting the number of bands

• By reading the bands from top to bottom

• By reading the bands from bottom to top

What is the role of autoradiography in the Maxam-Gilbert method?

• To cleave DNA at specific sites

• To visualize labeled DNA fragments

• To amplify DNA sequences

• To synthesize new DNA strands

How can you distinguish between a guanine and an adenine cleavage in the gel results?

• By the color of the band

• By the position of the band

• By the presence of a band in the guanine-only lane

• By the absence of a band in the adenine-only lane