Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology: Online Quizzes and Learning

Question 1

Which technique involves altering an organism's genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Molecular cloning

Question 2

What is the term for using genes to treat illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

Gene editing

Answer

Gene splicing

Answer

DNA repair

Question 3

Which molecule contains the genetic instructions for an organism?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Answer

Protein

Answer

Carbohydrate

Answer

Lipid

Question 4

Which enzyme can cut DNA at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme

Answer

Ligase

Answer

Polymerase

Answer

Helicase

Question 5

What is the function of a promoter in gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Initiates transcription

Answer

Encodes for a protein

Answer

Terminates translation

Answer

Splices mRNA

Question 6

What is the purpose of creating a DNA library?

Accepted Answer

To store and organize cloned DNA fragments

Answer

To amplify DNA sequences

Answer

To identify specific genes

Answer

To produce proteins

Question 7

What is the difference between an organism's genotype and its phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype refers to genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to observable traits.

Answer

Genotype refers to observable traits, while phenotype refers to genetic makeup.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are synonymous.

Answer

There is no distinction between genotype and phenotype.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a recognized application of genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Identifying criminals through DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Creating genetically modified crops

Answer

Treating genetic diseases

Answer

Producing vaccines

Question 9

In genetic engineering, what is the process known as when DNA is modified outside of a living organism?

Accepted Answer

Molecular cloning

Answer

Gene splicing

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction

Question 10

Which of the following is a potential advantage of gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Curing inherited genetic diseases

Answer

Increasing crop yields in agriculture

Answer

Identifying genetic markers for personalized medicine

Answer

Enhancing physical performance in athletes

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying specific DNA sequences for analysis or manipulation

Answer

Identifying genetic mutations within DNA samples

Answer

Diagnosing genetic diseases through genetic testing

Answer

Creating genetically modified organisms for biotechnology

Question 12

Who is credited with discovering the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

James Watson

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

Louis Pasteur

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

To treat genetic disorders

Answer

To prevent genetic disorders

Answer

To alter the genetic code

Answer

To clone humans

Question 14

Which technique is used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profile?

Accepted Answer

Genetic fingerprinting

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Microarrays

Question 15

What is the primary function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

To cut and paste DNA

Answer

To create genetically modified organisms

Answer

To diagnose genetic disorders

Answer

To amplify DNA

Question 16

What is the term used to describe an organism that contains a gene from a different species?

Accepted Answer

An organism with a gene from a different species

Answer

An organism with a mutated gene

Answer

An organism with a cloned gene

Answer

An organism with a synthetic gene

Question 17

What is the process by which DNA is copied?

Accepted Answer

Replication

Answer

Transcription

Answer

Translation

Answer

Mutation

Question 18

What was the primary objective of the Human Genome Project?

Accepted Answer

An international effort to map the human genome

Answer

A study of the genetics of human diseases

Answer

A database of human genetic information

Answer

A program to develop new gene therapies

Question 19

Which technique involves transferring genetic material from one organism to another?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction

Question 20

What is the primary role of restriction enzymes in molecular genetics?

Accepted Answer

Cutting DNA at specific sequences

Answer

Amplifying DNA segments

Answer

Analyzing DNA sequences

Answer

Repairing damaged DNA

Question 21

Which of the following is an application of gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Treating genetic diseases

Answer

Creating genetically modified organisms

Answer

Identifying criminals

Answer

Cloning animals

Question 22

What is a primary ethical concern associated with DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

Potential misuse for discrimination

Answer

Health hazards to individuals tested

Answer

Unfair advantages for the wealthy

Answer

Exaggerated claims about accuracy

Question 23

What is the function of plasmids in genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Vectors for transferring genetic material

Answer

Enzymes used to cut DNA

Answer

Proteins responsible for gene expression

Answer

Markers for identifying transformed cells

Question 24

Which technique is used to amplify DNA?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Southern blotting

Question 25

How do genes differ from alleles?

Accepted Answer

Genes are segments of DNA, while alleles are different forms of a gene

Answer

Alleles are segments of DNA, while genes are different forms of an allele

Answer

Genes and alleles are the same thing

Answer

Alleles are inherited from only one parent, while genes are inherited from both parents

Question 26

What is the purpose of a bioreactor in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Providing a controlled environment for cell growth and product production

Answer

Analyzing the structure of proteins

Answer

Separating DNA fragments

Answer

Cloning animals

Question 27

Which of the following is the process of using genetic information to diagnose or treat diseases?

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

Biotechnology

Answer

Molecular genetics

Answer

Molecular biology

Question 28

The primary purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify individuals

Answer

Diagnose genetic disorders

Answer

Produce genetically modified organisms

Answer

Treat cancer

Question 29

The first step in the process of genetic engineering is:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and isolating the desired gene

Answer

Inserting the gene into a host organism

Answer

Growing the genetically modified organism

Answer

Testing the safety and efficacy of the genetically modified organism

Question 30

The distinction between molecular genetics and biotechnology is that:

Accepted Answer

Molecular genetics focuses on the study of genes, while biotechnology applies that knowledge to practical applications.

Answer

Biotechnology focuses on the study of genes, while molecular genetics applies that knowledge to practical applications.

Answer

Molecular genetics and biotechnology are the same thing.

Answer

There is no difference between molecular genetics and biotechnology.

Question 31

What is the process of purposefully altering the genetic makeup of an organism referred to as?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Gene mutation

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

DNA replication

Question 32

Which kind of cell division results in genetically identical daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis

Answer

Meiosis

Answer

Binary fission

Answer

Budding

Question 33

Identify the technique used to determine an individual's identity through analysis of their genetic material:

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Gene sequencing

Answer

Karyotyping

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Question 34

In biotechnology, what primary function do restriction enzymes serve?

Accepted Answer

Precisely cutting DNA at specific sequences

Answer

Joining separate DNA fragments together

Answer

Amplifying DNA sequences

Answer

Synthesizing new DNA molecules

Question 35

Explain the distinction between genotype and phenotype:

Accepted Answer

Genotype encompasses the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to observable characteristics.

Answer

Phenotype refers to the genetic makeup, while genotype encompasses observable characteristics.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype essentially mean the same thing.

Answer

None of the above statements accurately describes the distinction.

Question 36

How is molecular genetics used in forensic science? Describe the techniques and methods used for DNA analysis.

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprinting for identifying individuals

Answer

Genetic profiling for determining disease risk

Answer

Gene therapy for treating genetic disorders

Question 37

Which technique involves directly altering an organism's genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction

Question 38

What is the primary goal of gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

To treat genetic disorders by modifying faulty genes

Answer

To identify individuals who have committed crimes

Answer

To create genetically modified crops

Answer

To study the sequence of the human genome

Question 39

Which tool is used in genetic engineering to cut DNA at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes

Answer

Polymerase enzymes

Answer

DNA ligase

Answer

RNA primers

Question 40

Which technique is employed to make multiple copies of a specific region of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Southern blotting

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of DNA sequencing?

Accepted Answer

To determine the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule

Answer

To identify genetic mutations

Answer

To amplify DNA

Answer

To cut DNA at specific sequences

Question 42

What was the main objective of the Human Genome Project?

Accepted Answer

To map and sequence the entire human genome

Answer

To create a database of genetic information

Answer

To establish a research center for human genetics

Answer

To promote genetic testing programs

Question 43

What is the main ethical concern raised by gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9?

Accepted Answer

Possible unintended effects and misuse

Answer

Lack of scientific agreement on safety

Answer

High cost of development and use

Answer

Threat to biodiversity

Question 44

Which ethical and societal impact is primarily associated with the rapid advancements in molecular genetics and biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing human health and alleviating suffering

Answer

Addressing global food security

Answer

Alleviating poverty and inequality

Answer

Promoting environmental sustainability

Question 45

What genetic technology helps identify individuals by comparing their DNA to evidence found at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Genetic testing

Answer

Genetic counseling

Answer

Personalized medicine

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Time travel

Answer

Developing genetically modified organisms

Answer

DNA fingerprinting for forensic analysis

Answer

Treating genetic diseases through gene therapy

Question 47

Which technique allows for the precise modification of an organism's genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Question 48

What is the primary objective of gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

To rectify genetic defects and treat inherited disorders

Answer

To introduce new traits into an organism

Answer

To identify individuals involved in criminal activities

Answer

To study the regulation of gene expression

Question 49

What is the fundamental principle underlying DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

The uniqueness of an individual's DNA sequence

Answer

Variations in chromosome number

Answer

The blood type of an individual

Answer

The presence of specific genes

Question 50

In genetic engineering, what is the primary function of restriction enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Precisely cutting DNA at specific sequences

Answer

Transcribing DNA into RNA

Answer

Amplifying DNA

Answer

Translating RNA into protein

Question 51

Which ethical concern arises from potential misuse of genetic information obtained through DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

Privacy violations and potential discrimination

Answer

Excessive costs associated with testing

Answer

Technological limitations

Answer

Accuracy and reliability of results