Biotechnology and its Applications

Topics in this chapter

• Molecular Diagnostics
• Gene Therapy
• Transgenic Animals and Models
• GM Crop Improvement
• Recombinant Products and Bioreactors
• Biotechnology Vaccines
• Biosafety and Ethical Regulation

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-A9B0DF

   In genetically modified cotton expressing Bt toxin, the toxin becomes active in the insect because the insect midgut

   1. A.has an acidic pH that directly dissolves the insect gut
   2. B.has an alkaline pH and proteases that activate the Bt protoxin
   3. C.converts the toxin into an antibody against bacteria
   4. D.allows the inactive protoxin to enter the insect's nervous system unchanged
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-DFA29C

   A plant is engineered to produce double-stranded RNA complementary to an essential gene of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. How does this protect the plant?

   1. A.The double-stranded RNA is translated into an enzyme that digests the nematode
   2. B.The double-stranded RNA triggers RNA interference, causing degradation or suppression of the complementary nematode mRNA
   3. C.The double-stranded RNA permanently changes the nematode's DNA sequence
   4. D.The double-stranded RNA increases production of Bt protoxin in the nematode
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-A1F919

   Golden rice was developed primarily to address deficiency of which nutrient?

   1. A.Vitamin A
   2. B.Vitamin B12
   3. C.Vitamin C
   4. D.Vitamin D
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-8B9B3F

   Why can polymerase chain reaction (PCR) help in the early diagnosis of certain infectious diseases?

   1. A.It amplifies a specific nucleic acid sequence of the pathogen, even when present in very small amounts.
   2. B.It directly destroys all pathogens present in the patient's blood.
   3. C.It stimulates antibody production before the pathogen enters the body.
   4. D.It converts pathogen DNA into antibodies detectable by microscopy.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-656CAE

   Which pairing correctly matches a biotechnology application with its use?

   1. A.Rosie transgenic cow — production of human insulin in its milk
   2. B.Transgenic mice — study of the biological role of genes and development of disease models
   3. C.Golden rice — production of a bacterial toxin against insect pests
   4. D.Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine — production of viral particles in human red blood cells
   See the answer and solution