1.
What term would be applied to a regulatory condition that occurs when protein is associated with a particular section of DNA and greatly reduces transcription?
Correct Answer
C. Negative control
Explanation
A regulatory condition that occurs when protein is associated with a particular section of DNA and greatly reduces transcription is known as negative control. In this scenario, the protein acts as a repressor, inhibiting the transcription process and reducing the expression of the associated gene. This negative control mechanism helps regulate gene expression and can be crucial for maintaining proper cellular function and homeostasis.
2.
Secondary metabolites appear during which of the following stages?
Correct Answer
B. At, near, or in the stationary pHase
Explanation
Secondary metabolites are chemical compounds produced by organisms that are not directly involved in growth or reproduction. These metabolites often have important ecological functions, such as defense against predators or competition for resources. The stationary phase of microbial growth occurs when the rate of cell division equals the rate of cell death, resulting in a stable population size. It is during this phase that secondary metabolites are typically produced. Therefore, secondary metabolites appear at, near, or in the stationary phase.
3.
DNA moves within an electric field because it
Correct Answer
B. Is negatively charged
Explanation
DNA moves within an electric field because it is negatively charged. DNA is composed of phosphate groups, which have a negative charge. When placed in an electric field, the negatively charged DNA molecules are attracted towards the positive electrode and move towards it. This phenomenon is known as electrophoresis and is commonly used in laboratories to separate and analyze DNA fragments based on their size and charge.
4.
Which of the following is NOT a means of regulating gene expression?
Correct Answer
D. Deleting genes from cells in which they are not needed
Explanation
Deleting genes from cells in which they are not needed is not a means of regulating gene expression because once a gene is deleted, it is permanently removed from the genome and cannot be expressed or regulated further. Gene regulation typically involves controlling the activity or expression of existing genes rather than removing them entirely. This can be done through various mechanisms such as modifying proteins after synthesis, regulating transcription and translation rates, and controlling the lifespan of proteins.
5.
Dideoxyribonucleotides (ddNTPs) used for DNA sequencing lack oxygen atoms at
Correct Answer
C. The 2' and 3' carbons of the pentose sugar
Explanation
Dideoxyribonucleotides (ddNTPs) used for DNA sequencing lack oxygen atoms at the 2' and 3' carbons of the pentose sugar. This is important because the presence of oxygen at these positions is necessary for the formation of a phosphodiester bond, which links nucleotides together in a DNA strand. By removing the oxygen atoms at the 2' and 3' carbons, ddNTPs prevent further nucleotide addition during DNA synthesis, allowing for the identification of the specific nucleotide at that position in the DNA sequence.
6.
Which of the following best describes siRNA?
Correct Answer
D. A short double-stranded RNA, one of whose strands can complement and inactivate a sequence of mRNA
Explanation
siRNA is a short double-stranded RNA that can complement and inactivate a sequence of mRNA. It is formed by cleavage of hairpin loops in a larger precursor. This double-stranded RNA can bind to mRNA and prevent its translation into protein, leading to gene silencing. siRNA is an important tool used in gene regulation and has applications in research and therapeutics.
7.
The reason for using Taq polymerase for PCR is that
Correct Answer
C. It is heat stable and can withstand the temperature changes of the cycler
Explanation
Taq polymerase is commonly used in PCR because it is heat stable and can withstand the temperature changes during the PCR cycles. PCR involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling, and the high temperatures required to denature the DNA would normally inactivate most enzymes. However, Taq polymerase, derived from Thermus aquaticus bacteria, is able to withstand these temperature changes and remain active throughout the PCR process. This makes it an ideal choice for PCR, as it allows for efficient amplification of DNA without the need to add fresh enzyme after each cycle.
8.
Yeast artificial chromosomes contain which of the following elements?
Correct Answer
C. Centromeres, telomeres, and an origin of replication
Explanation
Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are used to clone large fragments of DNA in yeast cells. They are designed to mimic the structure and behavior of natural chromosomes. In order to function properly, YACs must contain certain elements. Centromeres are necessary for proper segregation of the chromosome during cell division. Telomeres are required to protect the ends of the chromosome from degradation. An origin of replication is essential for DNA replication to occur. Therefore, the correct answer is centromeres, telomeres, and an origin of replication.
9.
Some vectors such as pUC18 and others of the pUC series contain a large number of restriction enzyme sites clustered in one region. What term is given to this advantageous arrangement of restriction sites?
Correct Answer
D. Polylinker
Explanation
A polylinker, also known as a multiple cloning site (MCS), is a DNA sequence that contains multiple unique restriction enzyme recognition sites. These sites allow for the insertion of DNA fragments into the vector at different locations, providing flexibility in the cloning process. In the case of vectors like pUC18, the advantageous arrangement of restriction enzyme sites in a polylinker region simplifies the cloning process by providing a variety of options for inserting DNA fragments.
10.
A metabolite excreted by a microorganism during exponential growth is called
Correct Answer
A. Primary metabolite
Explanation
During exponential growth, microorganisms produce primary metabolites. These are essential compounds involved in basic cellular functions such as growth, reproduction, and energy production. Primary metabolites are synthesized in large quantities and are necessary for the survival of the microorganism. In contrast, secondary metabolites are produced during the stationary phase and are not essential for growth but often have important ecological roles, such as antibiotic production. Immobilized enzyme refers to the technique of immobilizing enzymes for industrial applications, while exoenzyme refers to an enzyme that is secreted by a microorganism to break down external substances.
11.
Which pair of enzymes is necessary to make recombinant DNA?
Correct Answer
A. Ligase and restriction enzyme
Explanation
Ligase and restriction enzyme are necessary to make recombinant DNA. Ligase is responsible for joining DNA fragments together, while restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences. By using these two enzymes together, DNA fragments can be cut and then recombined to create recombinant DNA molecules. DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase are not directly involved in the process of making recombinant DNA.
12.
Type II restriction endonucleases
Correct Answer
B. Recognize nucleotide sequences that are palindromic
Explanation
Type II restriction endonucleases recognize nucleotide sequences that are palindromic. Palindromic sequences are DNA sequences that read the same on both strands when the orientation is reversed. These enzymes bind to these palindromic sequences and cleave the DNA at specific sites, leading to the formation of double-stranded breaks. This recognition of palindromic sequences allows Type II restriction endonucleases to accurately target and cleave specific DNA sequences, making them important tools in molecular biology for DNA manipulation and genetic engineering.
13.
The promoters of positively controlled operons require activator proteins, because
Correct Answer
D. The promoters have nucleotide sequences that bind RNA polymerase weakly, which are not close matches to the consensus sequence
Explanation
The promoters of positively controlled operons require activator proteins because the promoters have nucleotide sequences that bind RNA polymerase weakly, which are not close matches to the consensus sequence. Activator proteins help enhance the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter region by interacting with both the weak binding site on the promoter and the RNA polymerase itself. This interaction facilitates the recruitment and positioning of RNA polymerase at the promoter, leading to efficient transcription initiation. Without the activator proteins, the weak binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter would result in low transcription levels.
14.
Suppose ENZ-1 and ENZ-2 are two different restriction enzymes. If various pieces of DNA from different species are cut with these enzymes (as follows), which would most easily form recombinant molecules?
Correct Answer
D. Human DNA cut with ENZ-2 and bacterial DNA cut with ENZ-2
Explanation
u gotta use the same enzymes
15.
In biotechnology research, DNA fragments created by restriction enzyme action are separated from one another via
Correct Answer
D. Gel electropHoresis
Explanation
Gel electrophoresis is a technique commonly used in biotechnology research to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. It involves placing the DNA fragments in a gel matrix and applying an electric field. Since DNA is negatively charged, it moves towards the positive electrode. Smaller fragments move faster and travel further through the gel, while larger fragments move slower and remain closer to the starting point. This separation allows researchers to analyze and study the DNA fragments further. Therefore, gel electrophoresis is the most appropriate method for separating DNA fragments created by restriction enzyme action.
16.
Genomic imprinting, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation are all examples of
Correct Answer
C. Epigenetic pHenomena
Explanation
epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene activity which are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence
17.
Which of the following is the correct sequence of the polymerase chain reaction?
Correct Answer
C. Heat to 90 celsius (to separate DNA), then cool to 50 celsius (to bind primers and enzymes), then reheat to 70 celsius (to synthesize DNA)
Explanation
denaturing ~94 celsius
annealing ~30-65 celsius
polymerization/elongation ~ 65-75 celsius
18.
A ______ consists of cloned DNA fragments for all expressed genes in a particular tissue.
Correct Answer
E. CDNA library
Explanation
A cDNA library is a collection of cloned DNA fragments that represent all the expressed genes in a specific tissue. This library is created by converting the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules into complementary DNA (cDNA) molecules using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The cDNA library provides a snapshot of the genes that are actively being transcribed and expressed in the tissue, allowing researchers to study gene expression patterns and identify specific genes of interest.
19.
A _______ is a single-stranded DNA molecule attached to a radioactive or fluorescent compound that is complementary to a specific sequence of DNA. Such pieces of DNA are used to identify and study cloned genes in hybridization experiments.
Correct Answer
A. Probe
Explanation
A probe is a single-stranded DNA molecule attached to a radioactive or fluorescent compound that is complementary to a specific sequence of DNA. Probes are used in hybridization experiments to identify and study cloned genes. They bind to the target DNA sequence and allow researchers to visualize and locate specific genes or sequences of interest.
20.
Which of the following does not apply to eukaryotic gene regulation?
Correct Answer
C. Gene regulation by attenuation
Explanation
Attenuation (in genetics) is a proposed mechanism of control in some bacterial operons which results in premature termination of transcription and which is based on the fact that, in bacteria, transcription and translation proceed simultaneously
21.
A student wishes to clone a sequence of DNA of ~200 kb. Which vector would be appropriate?
Correct Answer
E. A BAC
Explanation
BAC can carry up to 500 kb
22.
When making a complementary DNA (cDNA) library, which enzyme is used to copy mRNA into DNA?
Correct Answer
C. Reverse transcriptase
Explanation
Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme used to copy mRNA into DNA when making a complementary DNA (cDNA) library. This enzyme is capable of synthesizing a complementary DNA strand from an RNA template, allowing for the conversion of mRNA into DNA. It is commonly used in molecular biology techniques such as cDNA synthesis and gene expression analysis. RNA polymerase, primase, DNA polymerase, and DNA ligase are not involved in the process of copying mRNA into DNA.
23.
A mutation that inactivates the regulatory gene of a repressible operon in an E. coli cell would result in
Correct Answer
C. Continuous transcription of the structural gene controlled by that regulator
Explanation
A mutation that inactivates the regulatory gene of a repressible operon in an E. coli cell would result in continuous transcription of the structural gene controlled by that regulator. This is because the regulatory gene produces a repressor protein that normally binds to the operator region of the operon, preventing transcription of the structural gene. If the regulatory gene is inactivated, the repressor protein cannot be produced, leading to the continuous transcription of the structural gene.
24.
During DNA replication,
Correct Answer
E. Methylation of the DNA is maintained because methylation enzymes act at DNA sites where one strand is already methylated and thus correctly methylates daughter strands after replication
Explanation
Methylation of the DNA is maintained because methylation enzymes act at DNA sites where one strand is already methylated and thus correctly methylates daughter strands after replication. This means that during DNA replication, the methylation pattern is faithfully copied onto the newly synthesized DNA strands. Methylation enzymes recognize and methylate DNA sites that are already methylated on one strand, ensuring that the daughter strands are also methylated in the same pattern. This process helps to maintain the epigenetic information encoded in DNA methylation, which is important for gene regulation and cellular identity.
25.
Attenuation occurs in the biosynthetic pathway for phenylalanine in E. coli. Therefore, the leader sequence for this pathway will be rich in which of the following?
Correct Answer
B. pHenylalanine
Explanation
The leader sequence for the biosynthetic pathway for phenylalanine in E. coli will be rich in phenylalanine because attenuation occurs in this pathway. Attenuation is a regulatory mechanism that occurs in bacterial operons, where the synthesis of a protein is controlled by the presence or absence of a specific metabolite. In the case of the phenylalanine biosynthetic pathway, the leader sequence will have a high concentration of phenylalanine to regulate the expression of the genes involved in the pathway.
26.
You are studying a biochemical pathway. Preliminary results suggest that this pathway is subject to end-product repression. This pathway is therefore most likely to be a(n) _____ pathway
Correct Answer
B. Anabolic
Explanation
Based on the preliminary results suggesting end-product repression, it can be inferred that this pathway is regulated in response to the presence of its end product. Anabolic pathways involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, and the regulation of such pathways is important to prevent the overproduction of end products. Therefore, the most likely explanation is that this pathway is an anabolic pathway, which is subject to end-product repression to maintain homeostasis.
27.
In positive control of several sugar-metabolism-related operons, the catabolite activator protein (CAP) binds to DNA to stimulate transcription. What causes an increase in CAP?
Correct Answer
A. Decrease in glucose and increase in cAMP
Explanation
An increase in cAMP and a decrease in glucose levels cause an increase in the catabolite activator protein (CAP). CAP binds to DNA and stimulates transcription of sugar-metabolism-related operons. When glucose levels are low, cAMP levels increase, which leads to the binding of CAP to DNA and the activation of transcription. This mechanism allows the cell to respond to low glucose levels and activate the expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism. The decrease in glucose and increase in cAMP work together to regulate the activity of CAP.
28.
DNA methylation may be a significant mode of genetic regulation in eukaryotes. Methylation refers to:
Correct Answer
C. Addition of methyl groups to the cytosine of CG doublets
Explanation
DNA methylation refers to the addition of methyl groups to the cytosine of CG doublets. Methylation of DNA plays a significant role in genetic regulation in eukaryotes. It can affect gene expression by influencing the binding of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins to DNA. Methylation patterns can be heritable and can impact various cellular processes such as development, differentiation, and disease. Therefore, the addition of methyl groups to the cytosine of CG doublets is a crucial mechanism for genetic regulation in eukaryotes.
29.
When arginine is added to a culture growing exponentially in a medium without arginine, what occurs?
Correct Answer
C. Growth continues, but the production of enzymes required for the synthesis of arginine ceases
Explanation
When arginine is added to a culture growing exponentially in a medium without arginine, the growth of the cells continues. However, the production of enzymes required for the synthesis of arginine ceases. This means that the cells are no longer able to produce arginine on their own and rely on the externally added arginine for their growth.
30.
Assume that a circular plasmid is 3200 base pairs in length and has restriction sites at the following locations: 400, 700, 1400, 2600. Give the expected sizes of the restriction fragments following complete digestion.
Correct Answer
E. 300, 700, 1000, 1200
Explanation
The given answer is the expected sizes of the restriction fragments following complete digestion of the circular plasmid. The restriction sites indicate where the plasmid will be cut by restriction enzymes. The expected sizes of the fragments are determined by the distance between adjacent restriction sites. In this case, the plasmid will be cut at the following locations: 400, 700, 1400, and 2600. The expected sizes of the fragments are then calculated as the distance between these sites: 400-0=400, 700-400=300, 1400-700=700, and 3200-2600=600. Therefore, the expected sizes of the restriction fragments are 300, 700, 1000, and 1200.
31.
Specific fragments of DNA on a gel can be visualized using
Correct Answer
D. DNA probes
Explanation
DNA probes are small fragments of DNA that are labeled with a fluorescent or radioactive tag. These probes are complementary to specific DNA sequences and can bind to these sequences on the gel. When the gel is exposed to a UV light or X-ray film, the labeled probes emit a signal, allowing the visualization of the specific DNA fragments on the gel. Therefore, DNA probes can be used to identify and locate specific fragments of DNA on a gel.
32.
What occurs when an inducer is added to an environment containing an organism with a metabolic pathway controlled by a repressor?
Correct Answer
C. The inducer combines with the repressor and activates the pathway
Explanation
When an inducer is added to an environment containing an organism with a metabolic pathway controlled by a repressor, the inducer combines with the repressor and activates the pathway. This means that the inducer molecule binds to the repressor protein, causing a conformational change that prevents the repressor from binding to the operator region of the DNA. As a result, the pathway is no longer repressed and can proceed, leading to the activation of the metabolic pathway.
33.
In negative control of transcription, how does the presence of an inducer affect transcription?
Correct Answer
C. The inducer prevents the repressor from binding to the operator
Explanation
The correct answer is that the inducer prevents the repressor from binding to the operator. In negative control of transcription, the repressor protein normally binds to the operator region of the DNA, blocking the RNA polymerase from binding and initiating transcription. However, when an inducer molecule is present, it binds to the repressor protein and causes a conformational change, preventing the repressor from binding to the operator. This allows the RNA polymerase to bind and transcribe the gene.
34.
DNA fragments from a gel are transferred to a nitrocellulose paper during the procedure called Southern blotting. What is the purpose of transferring the DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose paper?
Correct Answer
C. To attach the DNA fragments to a permanent substrate
Explanation
The purpose of transferring the DNA from a gel to a nitrocellulose paper is to attach the DNA fragments to a permanent substrate. This allows for further analysis and manipulation of the DNA fragments, such as hybridization with specific probes or sequencing. By transferring the DNA to a nitrocellulose paper, the DNA fragments become immobilized and can be easily handled and studied.
35.
How can a single gene code for more than one protein?
Correct Answer
C. The exons within a mRNA can be spliced together in different ways
Explanation
The correct answer is that the exons within a mRNA can be spliced together in different ways. This is possible because genes contain both exons (coding regions) and introns (non-coding regions). During the process of mRNA processing, introns are removed and exons are joined together in different combinations, resulting in different mRNA molecules. These different mRNA molecules can then be translated by ribosomes to produce different proteins. This process is known as alternative splicing and allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins with different functions.