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WorksheetsMicrobial biotechnology
Total questions: 85
Worksheet time: 51mins
Many species of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics because antibiotics have been so widely used. Now, bacteria that used to be killed by antibiotics are more difficult to treat. What is the best way to proceed in dealing with this public health problem?
Antibiotics should no longer be used.
Antibiotics should be made available to anyone without a prescription.
Antibiotics should only be prescribed to people with bacterial infections
Anti-viral medications should now be used instead of antibiotics.
If you want to isolate a particular gene from a plasmid or genome of an organism which of the following enzymes has to be used
DNA polymerase
Lysozyme
DNA ligase
restriction enzymes
Prokaryotes do not have
DNA
cell walls
membrane bound organelles
ribosomes
DNA sequences that can jump from place to place within a genome were first discovered in the 1940s by Barbara McClintock. When these sequences change locations within a genome, they can cause mutations leading to changes in the genetic sequence. These elements are known as
plasmids
bacteriophage
vectors
transposons
Microarrays can be used to compare the level of expression of a particular gene under control and experimental conditions. In one type of array, DNA sequences representing all the genes in the genome arrayed on a glass slide. These arrayed DNAs are called targets and they are hybridized with fluorescently red labeled (experimental) cDNA and fluorescent green (control) labeled cDNA made from reverse transcribed messenger RNAs.
In one experiment, mRNA from a strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria (experimental) is converted into cDNA and labeled with red; mRNA from a non-resistant strain of the same bacteria is converted into see DNA and labeled with green. The cDNAs from the resistant and nonresistant cells were combined and hybridized to glass slide containing cDNA.
Which color spot correspond to genes up-regulated in non-antibiotic resistant bacteria?
red
gray
yellow
green
A scientist wants to put a eukaryotic sequence into a prokaryotic host. They add an expression vector. One of its benefits allows for:
down-regulation of foreign gene
heightened replication of prokaryotic host DNA for amplification
a promoter
marker of how much a gene is present such as a dye
In genetic engineering, small loops of DNA called ___ are to be shuffled from one organism to another.
D-loops or displacement loops
DNA splicing
plasmids
transposons
Since bacteria don’t have introns, they lack RNA-splicing machinery. So, they cannot remove said introns from a foreign DNA insert when making the mRNA. If you want to force bacteria to make a eukaryotic protein, you can make a gene without introns. A way to do this is to _______.
switch the bacteria’s genes so that they can splice RNA
use a probe to find a gene without introns
work backward from mRNA to make a version of the gene without introns
use a phage to insert the desired gene into the bacteria
Viruses that attack bacteria are named “bacteriophages.” The term phage originates from Greek phagein, which translates as “to eat”. The phage infection cycle seems to be simple but efficient: a single phage injects its genome into a bacterial cell, switching the cells' program in its favour so the host cell will eventually die and release about 100 new phage particles. If a bacterium became infected, what should element(s) should it release?
lysosomes
restriction enzymes and DNA polymerase
DNA ligase
restriction endonucleases and methyltransferase
In which of the following scenarios would it be advantageous to create + work with a cDNA (complementary DNA) library rather than a genomic library?
a study of the role of noncoding RNA plays in regulating the expression of the coding genes of a genome
a study of a protein involved in a lizard’s eye development + the regulation of the gene that expresses it
a study of the enhancer region of a gene that regulates a snake’s neural development
a study that compares the sequences of introns for the genes of a cat’s fur development shared among different lineages
Which of the following arrangements of the enzymes below represent the order in which they would be used in a traditional gene-cloning experiment that begins with a strand of mRNA and results in the insertion of a cDNA into a bacterial plasmid?
restriction enzyme, reverse transcriptase, DNA polymerase, DNA ligase
restriction enzyme, DNA ligase, reverse transcriptase, DNA polymerase
reverse transcriptase, DNA ligase, DNA polymerase, restriction enzyme
reverse transcriptase, DNA polymerase, restriction enzyme, DNA ligase
Human nerve cells differ from human muscle cells because different sets of genes are expressed; in each type of cell, different genes are transcribed into mRNA and translated into protein. Which of the following techniques would be the most efficient way to identify the genes that these cells express?
use of microarray
gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments
isolating and analyzing all the proteins from each type of tissue
RT-PCR
The immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) is a large gene family that are involved in the recognition, binding, or adhesion processes of cells. Members of this family commonly contain a domain known as an “immunoglobulin domain or fold.” How can you explain this common feature in so many molecules?
all of the genes that produce these proteins used to be part of a much larger gene that broke down into smaller ones
these genes are retrotransposons
these genes are introns that experienced mutations
the fold is repetitive because of gene duplication and evolution
The genomes of most eukaryotes are larger and more complex than those of prokaryotes, due to the higher complexity of eukaryotes. However, the genome size of many eukaryotes does not appear to be related to genetic complexity. For example, the genomes of lilies contain more than ten times the amount of DNA that is in the human genome, yet these organisms are clearly not ten times more complex than humans. Why might this be?
the two species evolved at very different geologic eras
lilies have more noncoding DNA
lilies have a higher gene density
lilies are more complex organisms
What is the most probable explanation for the continued presence of pseudogenes in a genome?
they have accumulated mutations to such a degree that they code for different functional products
though they are duplicates of functional genes, they cannot function because they would make inappropriate amounts of protein products
they have significant inverted sequences in between exons, stripping their ability to produce proteins
their inability to produce functional proteins is often the consequence of subsequent genetic alterations
What characteristic of short tandem repeats (STRs) DNA makes it advantageous for DNA fingerprinting?
the number of repeats varies widely from person to person
the sequence of DNA that is repeated varies significantly from specie to specie
the sequence variation is acted upon differently by natural selection in different environments
none of the above
Recombination hotspots are regions in a genome that show elevated rates of recombination relative to a neutral expectation. The recombination rate within hotspots can be hundreds of times that of the surrounding region. What might this information most likely be used for?
for comparisons of orthologs, genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestor, to see if there are changes in function
to be used in the field of metagenomics
to find correlations between homologs and pseudogenes
for genetic mapping, which can document the way in which recombination rates vary over a genome
A scientist wants to determine the function of a certain sequence of DNA in a snake. What might be the most reasonable approach?
use RT-PCR to amplify and examine the sequence
look for an identical sequence in another species, and perform a knockout experiment of this sequence in that species
genetically engineer a mouse with a copy of the sequence and examine its phenotype
prepare a genetically engineered bacterial culture with the new sequence
DNA biotechnology has allowed scientists to identify many human genetic disorders, such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis. When the gene has been amplified by PCR, the DNA is sequenced to determine whether the individual has the disease. If scientists decide to create a test for a new genetic disease, what must first occur before PCR can be used to test for that disease?
the genome must be run through gel electrophoresis
the gene for the disease must be located in the genome
the complementary sequence specific to the gene must be created in the lab through cDNA
it must be recombined into a bacterial cell through recombination
If the amount of agarose added is more, the molecules under analysis should have following characteristics:
small size
large size
size has no relation w/ the amount of agarose
this depends on the amount of molecules under analysis
How is the size of molecules under analysis measured?
by measuring the distance moved using a ruler
by measuring the amount of dye seen under analysis
by running a standard molecule, whose size is already known
none of the above
The charge present on the DNA backbone is negative. The force required to accelerate the molecules towards anode is directly proportional to number of
sugar molecules
nitrogenous bases
phosphate groups
both A and C
In gel electrophoresis, the DNA fragments will migrate towards the
anode or positive electrode
cathode or negative electrode
anode or negative electrode
neutral electrode
DNA biotechnology has allowed scientists to identify many human genetic disorders, such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis. When the gene has been amplified by PCR, the DNA is sequenced to determine whether the individual has the disease. If scientists decide to create a test for a new genetic disease, what must first occur before PCR can be used to test for that disease?
the genome must be run through gel electrophoresis
the gene for the disease must be located in the genome
the complementary sequence specific to the gene must be created in the lab through cDNA
it must be recombined into a bacterial cell through recombination
A plasmid has two antibiotic resistant genes - ampicillin resistant and chloramphenicol resistant - if the plasmid grows in ampicillin containing medium, but not in chloramphenicol, what can be concluded?
the insert is not present at all
the insert is present in ampicillin but not in chloramphenicol gene
the insert is present in chloramphenicol but not in ampicillin gene
the insert is present between both of the genes
Luciferase is a generic term for the class of oxidative enzymes that produce bioluminescence. The name was first used by Raphaël Dubois who invented the words luciferin and luciferase, for the substrate and enzyme. Which of the following can it be used for?
track tumor cells
follow viral infections
track bacterial infections
analyze gene expression
Electroporation is one of the methods used for taking up the DNA by the cells. It constitutes of
increased efficiency than both natural and chemical methods over long periods of time
decreased efficiency than both natural and chemical methods over long periods of time
causing the least amount of damage in comparison to other methods
inserting the DNA into the cells through an electric shock
Blots are techniques for transferring macromolecules onto a carrier so they can be separated, routinely used in molecular biology for detection of a specific sequence in samples. Often, DNA needs to be removed from the gel to the solid support. The process can be termed as:
southern blotting
northern blotting
western blotting
eastern blotting
In PCR, _______ is from a thermophilic bacterium. It is highly resistant to heat, and does not denature easily.
DNA Polymerase I
DNA Polymerase II
Taq
Sigma
Tandem repeats of short DNA sequences with varying numbers of repeats found among individuals.
STR (Short Tandem Repeat)
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
VNTR (Variable number of Tandem Repeats)
Scientists have produced a genetically modified orange tree that is resistant to disease. Which of the following is the best example of a potential benefit to society that could result from this biotechnology?
reduction in orange crops produced
increase in orange crops produced
increase in the cost of orange crop
a change in the distribution of insects that pollinate orange flowers
DNA sequences that occur between genes and are referred to as ______________________ .
intergenic sequences
interspersed repeat
transposons
comparative genomics
Repetitions placed intermittently along a single chromosome, or across multiple chromosomes are ___________________.
intergenic sequences
interspersed repeat
transposons
comparative genomics
Specific DNA sequences that have the ability to move within and between chromosomes.
intergenic sequences
interspersed repeat
transposons
comparative genomics
To compare the human genome to the genome of other organisms.
intergenic sequences
interspersed repeat
transposons
comparative genomics
Scientists implant a gene into a species of tomato plant that makes them ripen faster and stay firm as they are transported to stores. What is the benefit of this technology?
Increased toxins in the food.
Increase shelf life and availablity.
Decreased size of tomatoes.
Increased seed production
What are some examples of biotechnology being used in agriculture?
Crop irrigation
DNA fingerprinting
Gentically modified crops
Crop rotation
A farmer is considering the advantages of cloning a herd of cattle from a single cow. What is one advantage of a cloned herd?
All cattle in the herd would have the most desired traits.
All cattle in the herd would have more genetic variation.
All cattle in the herd would have more resistance to diseases.
All cattle in the herd would have much longer life spans.
Scientists have inserted a gene that codes for resistance to a biodegradable weedkiller into a certain plant. Which of the following is most likely to occur when this gene is inserted?
The plant will become able to produce chemicals to kill weeds around it.
The plant will become able to produce chemicals to kill weeds around it.
The plant will become able to convert the weedkiller into fertilizer.
The plant is more likely to survive when exposed to the weedkiller.
An estimated 73,000 cases of infection from E. coli bacteria in food are reported in the United States each year. Heat treatment has been the preferred way to kill the bacteria, which are often found in beef products. Recently, irradiation using electron beam technology has been used to treat ground beef. The irradiation process disrupts the genetic structure of the bacteria, either killing them or leaving them unable to reproduce.
What is one potential danger of irradiating food?
The dead bacteria might remain in the food and cause illnesses.
The nutrients in the foods might also be destroyed by the irradiation.
The bacteria might grow stronger and become more toxic to humans.
The food might heat up to unsafe levels during the irradiation process.
Animal pharming is becoming more popular as the demand for human proteins and vaccines continues to grow. Animal pharming is the process of using transgenic animals to produce human drugs such as insulin and human growth hormone. Transgenic animals are animals which have been genetically transformed by splicing and inserting foreign genes into their chromosomes. If successful, the inserted gene can enable an animal to make certain proteins in its milk, blood, sperm, or eggs. Which of the following is NOT true about transgenic animals?
Transgene DNA may insert itself into the genome in a way that disrupts the animal’s normal gene function.
Transgenic animals cannot pass their ability to produce the desired drug to its offspring.
Transgenic animals can produce the desired drug at high levels without endangering its own health.
Transgenic animals can be easily tested for the new gene.
GMO crops are regularly met with opposition, Golden Rice is grown and distributed in regions where rice consumption is high and variety in diet is low. Which of the following explains a benefit of using Golden rice in these areas?
Golden Rice is bio-engineered and is yellow as a result.
Golden Rice allows regions with a low variety of food to receive necessary nutrients.
Beta-carotene is a lab-created nutrient that has unknown effects.
Producing Golden Rice will result less variety of food grown.
Which plant is the mystery Plant X?
Plant 1
Plant 2
Plant 3
None of them are
In PCR denaturation of DNA is take place in ________ 0C temperature
72 0C
940C
40 to 550C
1200C
The enzyme DNA polymerase used in PCR reaction is isolated from which one of the
following bacteria
Thermus aquaticus
Plasmodium vivax
Both
a) None
Active immunity is when
You produce your own antibodies to a disease
You are given antibodies to a disease
You are immune to any type of disease
Macrophages invade your lymphatic system and shield you from ever falling sick
This type of vaccine uses a live virus that has been weakened or altered in some way.
Toxoid vaccine
mRNA vaccine
Attenuated vaccine
Inactivated vaccine
The first vaccine that was developed was for
chickenpox
polio
rubella
smallpox
mRNA vaccines work by
introducing inactivated virus into the body to start an immune response.
having your own cells make a protein from the virus so your immune cells will recognize the virus.
changing the DNA of your cells to protect you from infection from the virus.
using a carrier virus to start an immune response.
The vaccine used to prevent coronavirus infections is a ___________ vaccine that makes __________________ from the virus.
mRNA, DNA
mRNA, spike protein
attenuated, proteins
toxoid, toxins
What are some advantages of the mRNA vaccine? Check ALL that apply.
mRNA degrades quickly
The vaccine does not make you sick.
mRNA enters the host cell's nucleus.
mRNA vaccines can be made quickly.
What is a possible outcome if the spike protein on the coronavirus mutated?
The vaccine may no longer be effective.
The vaccine may have reduced effectiveness.
Both A and B.
Vaccines that introduce a small piece of the virus to the host are known as
toxoid vaccines
subunit vaccines
inactivated vaccines
mRNA vaccines
A new vaccine was developed and then tested on a large sample of individuals. This new vaccine will be considered effective if it helps prepare the body to fight future invasion by
inhibiting the response of red blood cells
stimulating the reproduction of microbes
inhibiting the action of immune cells
stimulating the production of antibodies
Dr. Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine in 1796 for this disease:
cowpox
chickenpox
smallpox
the flu
The new RNA vaccine for Covid-19 is made from:
the entire virus
the entire genome (RNA genetic material) of the virus
only a small part of the virus
only a small part of the genome (RNA genetic material) of the virus
Why must the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines be kept at very cold temperatures?
because the RNA is unstable unless kept cold
because the virus doesn't like hot temperatures
because the vaccines can melt
