Principles and processes of biotechnology - recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning - One Line Questions

1. What is a 'stop codon' in the context of gene expression? A codon that signals the termination of translation
2. What is a genomic library? A collection of DNA fragments representing the entire genome of an organism
3. What is a cDNA library? A library of DNA sequences representing the genes that are actively transcribed into mRNA
4. The 'recognition site' for a restriction enzyme is typically: A palindromic sequence
5. Biolistics (gene gun) is a method used for introducing foreign DNA into: Plant cells
6. What is a bacteriophage used for in gene cloning? As a vector to deliver foreign DNA into bacteria
7. Which of the following is a method used to increase the efficiency of transformation in bacterial cells? Heat shock or electroporation
8. Which of the following is a method for screening recombinant cells? Blue-white screening
9. What is the process of separating DNA fragments based on their size using an electric current? Gel electrophoresis
10. What is the term for a plasmid that has been engineered to contain a foreign gene and is used for cloning? Recombinant plasmid
11. The amplification of specific DNA sequences in PCR occurs through repeated cycles of: Denaturation, annealing, and extension
12. Which enzyme is responsible for removing RNA primers during DNA replication and is also used in some molecular cloning techniques? DNA polymerase I
13. In the context of gene cloning, what does the term 'chimeric DNA' refer to? DNA molecule composed of fragments from different sources
14. What is the process of inserting a gene of interest into a specific location in the genome called? Gene targeting
15. What is the term for the process where a gene is inserted into a vector, and this vector is then introduced into a host cell for replication? Gene cloning
16. What is the term for a DNA molecule that is capable of replicating independently of the host chromosome and is used as a vector? Replicon
17. To overcome the challenge of introns, scientists often clone the gene's: cDNA
18. What does the 'ampR' gene on a plasmid typically confer resistance to? Antibiotics like ampicillin
19. Which of the following is NOT a basic step in recombinant DNA technology? Cellular respiration
20. What is the primary advantage of using a shuttle vector in gene cloning? It can replicate in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic host cells
21. What is the primary advantage of using Taq polymerase in PCR? It is thermostable and can withstand high temperatures
22. Which enzymes are crucial for cutting DNA at specific recognition sites in recombinant DNA technology? Restriction enzymes
23. When using restriction enzymes, what is the term for the enzyme that methylates DNA, often preventing the enzyme from cutting? Methylase
24. Complementary DNA (cDNA) is synthesized from: mRNA using reverse transcriptase
25. Which of the following is a key component of a recombinant DNA molecule? DNA from two or more different organisms
26. What are 'sticky ends' in the context of restriction enzymes? Overhanging single-stranded DNA sequences that can anneal with complementary sequences
27. What does PCR stand for? Polymerase Chain Reaction
28. A palindromic sequence in DNA is one that: Reads the same forwards and backwards on opposite strands
29. What enzyme is used in PCR to synthesize new DNA strands? Taq polymerase
30. What is the main challenge in cloning a gene that is interrupted by introns in eukaryotes? Prokaryotic host cells cannot splice introns
31. Which of the following is a common type of cloning vector? Plasmid
32. What is the significance of the term 'competent' when referring to bacterial cells for transformation? The cells are capable of taking up foreign DNA
33. What is a 'vector' in gene cloning? A DNA molecule used to carry foreign genetic material into a host cell
34. What is gene cloning? The process of creating multiple identical copies of a specific DNA fragment
35. Restriction enzymes that produce blunt ends are often used in gene cloning because: They are easier to ligate
36. What is the purpose of using a linker in gene cloning? To add a specific restriction site to a DNA fragment
37. What is the function of the 'ori' (origin of replication) sequence on a plasmid? To initiate DNA replication
38. What is the purpose of the denaturation step in PCR? To separate the double-stranded DNA into single strands
39. What is the function of DNA ligase in gene cloning? To join DNA fragments together
40. What is the role of primers in PCR? To provide a starting point for DNA synthesis
41. What is the role of a selectable marker gene in a cloning vector? To allow identification of transformed cells
42. What is the primary goal of recombinant DNA technology? To combine DNA from different sources to create a new DNA molecule
43. What is the primary application of creating a cDNA library? To study genes that are actively expressed in a particular cell type or tissue
44. What is the function of a promoter in a gene cloning construct? To initiate transcription
45. The process of introducing recombinant DNA into a bacterial cell is called: Transformation
46. What is the process of introducing a plasmid into a plant cell called? Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
47. Which type of restriction enzyme cuts at a specific recognition sequence and requires ATP for its activity? Type I
48. Which of the following is a method for generating blunt ends from sticky ends? Using a DNA polymerase with a proofreading activity
49. In blue-white screening, what indicates the presence of a recombinant plasmid? White colonies
50. What is the term for a host cell that has successfully taken up the recombinant DNA? Transformed cell