Molecular Biology Techniques: Quizzes and Learning Resources

Question 1

What is the primary objective of Sanger sequencing?

Accepted Answer

Determination of DNA base sequence

Answer

Amplification of DNA

Answer

Cloning of genes

Answer

Mutation detection

Question 2

What is the primary role of a cloning vector?

Accepted Answer

Gene transportation into a host cell

Answer

Gene expression

Answer

Gene amplification

Answer

Gene expression regulation

Question 3

What is the function of DNA ligase in gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

Joining of DNA fragments

Answer

DNA cleavage

Answer

DNA amplification

Answer

DNA sequencing

Question 4

Describe the difference between Northern blotting and Southern blotting.

Accepted Answer

Northern blotting detects RNA, while Southern blotting detects DNA.

Answer

Southern blotting detects RNA, while Northern blotting detects DNA.

Answer

Northern blotting uses a DNA probe, while Southern blotting uses an RNA probe.

Answer

Northern and Southern blotting are identical techniques.

Question 5

PCR is a versatile technique with numerous applications. Which of the following are major uses of PCR?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Accepted Answer

Gene cloning

Accepted Answer

Forensic analysis

Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 6

In PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which of the following is NOT a key step?

Accepted Answer

Ligation of amplified DNA fragments

Answer

Denaturation of DNA

Answer

Annealing of primers to the DNA template

Answer

Extension of the primers by DNA polymerase

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of using a DNA sequencer in molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

To determine the exact sequence of nucleotide bases within a DNA molecule

Answer

To amplify DNA fragments

Answer

To clone genes into expression vectors

Answer

To transfect cells with foreign DNA

Question 8

What is the primary role of a plasmid in gene cloning?

Accepted Answer

To provide a selectable marker for identifying transformed cells

Answer

To amplify the cloned gene for increased production

Answer

To transcribe the cloned gene into RNA

Answer

To regulate the expression of the cloned gene

Question 9

Which technique is commonly used to separate DNA fragments based on their size?

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Chromatography

Answer

Spectrophotometry

Answer

PCR

Question 10

What is the primary function of a Southern blot?

Accepted Answer

To detect the presence of specific DNA sequences within a sample

Answer

To amplify a specific DNA sequence

Answer

To clone a specific DNA sequence

Answer

To sequence a specific DNA sequence

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of molecular biology techniques?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetics

Answer

Gene therapy

Answer

Forensic science

Answer

Drug development

Question 12

Which step is NOT part of the Sanger DNA sequencing method?

Accepted Answer

Ligation of DNA fragments into a cloning vector

Answer

Annealing primers to the template DNA

Answer

Polymerization of dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) to terminate chain elongation

Answer

Electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments by size

Question 13

How does PCR contribute to diagnosing genetic disorders? Provide an example of its application.

Accepted Answer

PCR amplifies specific DNA regions, enabling the detection of genetic variations associated with genetic disorders.

Answer

PCR sequences entire genomes to identify genetic disorders.

Answer

PCR clones genes into vectors for studying gene expression.

Answer

PCR generates cDNA from RNA samples.

Question 14

In molecular biology research, which ethical principle is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from research participants

Answer

Prioritizing cost-effectiveness

Answer

Avoiding the use of animal models

Question 15

**Which is the first crucial step in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?**

Accepted Answer

Denaturation

Answer

Annealing

Answer

Ligation

Answer

Extension

Question 16

In the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which enzyme synthesizes new DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Answer

RNA polymerase

Answer

Ligase

Question 17

What is the primary function of primers in a PCR reaction?

Accepted Answer

To provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands.

Answer

To denature the double-stranded DNA.

Answer

To bind to the target DNA sequence and prevent amplification.

Question 18

Which of the following techniques is commonly used for DNA sequencing?

Accepted Answer

Sanger sequencing

Answer

Southern blotting

Answer

Western blotting

Answer

Northern blotting

Question 19

What is the main purpose of a restriction enzyme?

Accepted Answer

To cleave DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

Answer

To ligate DNA fragments together.

Answer

To amplify DNA.

Answer

To synthesize new DNA strands.

Question 20

What term is used to describe the process of introducing a plasmid into bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Answer

Transduction

Answer

Conjugation

Answer

Electroporation

Question 21

Which technique is primarily used to separate DNA fragments based on size?

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Spectrophotometry

Answer

Chromatography

Answer

Centrifugation

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a Southern blot?

Accepted Answer

To detect specific DNA sequences in a sample.

Answer

To sequence DNA.

Answer

To amplify DNA.

Answer

To clone DNA.

Question 23

What is the primary function of a bioinformatics database?

Accepted Answer

To provide a platform for storing and analyzing biological data.

Answer

To clone DNA fragments.

Answer

To synthesize proteins.

Answer

To perform PCR reactions.