Molecular Diagnostics in Pathology: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

What is a major benefit of using molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

More accurate diagnosis and prognosis of diseases

Answer

Lower cost and wider availability

Answer

Quick and minimally invasive procedures

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

Reduced pain during sample collection

Answer

Increased specificity

Answer

Earlier detection of disease

Answer

Treatment planning guidance

Question 3

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Make copies of a specific region of DNA

Answer

Sequence a DNA sample

Answer

Detect mutations

Answer

Quantify gene expression

Question 4

What is the principle behind DNA hybridization?

Accepted Answer

Single-stranded DNA molecules with complementary sequences bind together

Answer

DNA is broken down by enzymes

Answer

DNA is copied using PCR

Answer

DNA is sequenced

Question 5

Which of the following is a potential limitation of molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

High cost and specialized expertise

Answer

High accuracy

Answer

Versatility in sample types

Answer

Rapid turnaround time

Question 6

Which enzyme is employed in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the synthesis of new DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

DNA Polymerase

Answer

RNA Polymerase

Answer

Reverse Transcriptase

Answer

DNA Ligase

Question 7

What is a key advantage of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in comparison to traditional sequencing methods?

Accepted Answer

Increased throughput and reduced turnaround time

Answer

Ability to sequence longer DNA fragments

Answer

Lower cost and enhanced accuracy

Answer

Improved detection of rare genetic variants

Question 8

In the context of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which enzyme is most commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

DNA Polymerase

Answer

DNA Ligase

Answer

RNAse

Answer

Primase

Question 9

In molecular diagnostics, what is the primary purpose of DNA sequencing?

Accepted Answer

Identifying disease-causing mutations

Answer

Amplifying specific DNA fragments

Answer

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities

Answer

Quantifying gene expression

Question 10

In the Southern blotting technique, which of the following is NOT a crucial step?

Accepted Answer

PCR amplification

Answer

DNA electrophoresis

Answer

DNA hybridization

Answer

Autoradiography

Question 11

What is the term for a specific region of DNA that can be cleaved by a restriction enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Restriction site

Answer

Exon

Answer

Intron

Answer

Promoter

Question 12

Which type of molecular diagnostics technique is utilized to identify genetic variations associated with diseases?

Accepted Answer

Microarray analysis

Answer

Karyotyping

Answer

Flow cytometry

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Question 13

Which ethical concern arises specifically from the use of molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

Potential discrimination based on genetic information

Answer

Accuracy and reliability of diagnostic tests

Answer

Cost-effectiveness concerns

Answer

Lack of skilled professionals

Question 14

Explain the fundamental principle behind polymerase chain reaction (PCR):

Accepted Answer

Amplifying specific DNA sequences

Answer

Sequencing DNA fragments

Answer

Detecting mutations

Answer

Identifying gene expression levels

Question 15

Describe the role of fluorescent probes in DNA sequencing:

Accepted Answer

Identifying the base sequence of DNA fragments

Answer

Amplifying DNA samples

Answer

Detecting mutations

Answer

Visualizing DNA bands

Question 16

In the context of molecular diagnostics in pathology, which ethical concern is of primary importance?

Accepted Answer

Potential misuse of genetic data

Answer

Increased access to genetic testing

Answer

Reduced accuracy in disease diagnosis

Answer

Limited availability of testing for all patients

Question 17

What is a potential ethical concern associated with molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination based on genetic information

Answer

Improved accuracy of diagnosis

Answer

Increased access to genetic testing

Question 18

What is the main purpose of a DNA probe in molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

To identify and attach to matching DNA sequences

Answer

To amplify specific DNA sections in a sample

Answer

To sort DNA pieces by size

Answer

To create a DNA copy from an RNA template

Question 19

Which technique is not based on PCR?

Accepted Answer

Fluorescence in situ hybridization

Answer

Reverse transcriptase PCR

Answer

Quantitative PCR

Answer

Nested PCR

Question 20

Which key advantage distinguishes molecular diagnostics in pathology from traditional methods?

Accepted Answer

Increased accuracy and specificity in disease diagnosis

Answer

Non-invasive nature of sample collection

Answer

Lower overall cost

Answer

Shorter turnaround time for results

Question 21

The primary purpose of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnostics is to:

Accepted Answer

Amplify specific DNA sequences of interest

Answer

Sequence DNA fragments

Answer

Detect genetic mutations

Question 22

DNA sequencing serves which primary function in molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Determining the precise order of nucleotide bases within a DNA molecule

Answer

Amplifying DNA fragments

Answer

Identifying specific genetic mutations

Question 23

Molecular diagnostics have proven particularly valuable in the diagnosis of:

Accepted Answer

Cancer

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Type 1 diabetes

Question 24

Which technique is not considered a type of molecular diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Karyotyping

Answer

SNP (Single nucleotide polymorphism) analysis

Answer

FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization)

Answer

CGH (Comparative genomic hybridization)

Question 25

When interpreting molecular diagnostic test results, which factor should be given primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Clinical context and patient history

Answer

Sensitivity of the test alone

Answer

Cost-effectiveness of the test

Answer

Specificity of the test alone

Question 26

Which professional organization is dedicated to supporting and advancing the field of molecular pathology?

Accepted Answer

Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)

Answer

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Answer

Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath)

Answer

British Medical Association (BMA)

Question 27

Which of the following is a primary application of molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing and prognosing diseases

Answer

Treating diseases

Answer

Developing new drugs

Question 28

Which technique is widely used for amplifying specific segments of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Genome sequencing

Answer

Southern blotting

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Question 29

What is the primary objective of DNA sequencing in molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Determining the precise sequence of nucleotides within a DNA sample

Answer

Identifying genetic variations and mutations

Answer

Amplifying DNA fragments

Question 30

When using molecular diagnostics to predict disease risk, what ethical consideration arises?

Accepted Answer

Potential discrimination based on genetic information

Answer

Cost of testing

Answer

Accuracy of the diagnostic test

Question 31

Which of the following is a limitation associated with molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

It can be a costly and time-consuming process

Answer

Provides personalized treatment options

Answer

Highly specific and sensitive

Answer

Non-invasive sample collection

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a type of molecular diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

PCR

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Question 33

What is the fundamental principle behind fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing fluorescent probes to detect specific DNA sequences within cells

Answer

Amplifying DNA fragments through PCR

Answer

Sequencing DNA samples

Question 34

What is the PRIMARY advantage of using PCR in molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Rapidly copies specific DNA sequences

Answer

Relatively low cost

Answer

Simple to use in a lab setting

Answer

Requires minimal training for technicians

Question 35

In DNA sequencing, what is the function of a hybridization probe?

Accepted Answer

Attaches to a matching DNA sequence

Answer

Cuts DNA at specific locations

Answer

Copies DNA segments

Answer

Sorts DNA fragments by size

Question 36

Which of these conditions can be diagnosed using molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Type 2 Diabetes

Answer

Migraine

Question 37

What is the primary role of a bioinformatics specialist in molecular diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Analyse and interpret large genetic datasets

Answer

Develop new molecular diagnostic techniques

Answer

Conduct laboratory experiments

Answer

Collect patient samples for testing

Question 38

Which technique separates DNA fragments by their size?

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Hybridization

Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 39

What is a likely FUTURE impact of molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

Personalized medicine and detecting diseases earlier

Answer

Fully replacing traditional diagnostic methods

Answer

Becoming less invasive but significantly more costly

Answer

Limited to diagnosing rare, complex diseases only

Question 40

Which of the following PCR techniques is specifically designed to quantify the amount of a target DNA sequence in a sample?

Accepted Answer

Real-time PCR

Answer

Multiplex PCR

Answer

Reverse Transcriptase PCR

Answer

Nested PCR

Question 41

A pathologist is analyzing a tissue sample for the presence of a specific gene mutation associated with a particular type of cancer. Which molecular diagnostic technique would be most appropriate in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Cytogenetics

Answer

Flow cytometry

Question 42

What is the main purpose of using a positive control in a PCR reaction?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the PCR reagents and protocol are functioning correctly.

Answer

To identify potential contamination in the sample.

Answer

To detect false-negative results.

Question 43

A patient presents with a suspected genetic disorder. Which molecular diagnostic technique would be used to analyze the patient's entire genome for potential mutations?

Accepted Answer

Whole-genome sequencing

Answer

Next-generation sequencing

Answer

Targeted gene sequencing

Answer

Sanger sequencing

Question 44

Which of the following is a limitation of using molecular diagnostics in pathology?

Accepted Answer

The high cost of testing can limit accessibility.

Answer

Molecular techniques are highly sensitive and specific.

Answer

Molecular diagnostics can be used to identify drug resistance.

Answer

Molecular diagnostics can provide information on disease progression.

Question 45

A pathologist is analyzing a sample for the presence of a specific viral infection. Which molecular diagnostic technique would be most suitable for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Reverse Transcriptase PCR

Answer

Western blotting

Answer

Southern blotting

Answer

Northern blotting

Question 46

What is the role of primers in a PCR reaction?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

To separate DNA fragments based on size.

Answer

To break down DNA into smaller fragments.

Question 47

Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of DNA denaturation in PCR?

Accepted Answer

The double-stranded DNA molecule is separated into two single strands.

Answer

DNA polymerase binds to the template DNA.

Answer

New DNA strands are synthesized.

Question 48

A pathologist is using a molecular diagnostic technique to determine the genetic predisposition of a patient to a specific disease. What is the primary application of this technique in this context?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing

Answer

Disease monitoring

Answer

Prenatal diagnosis

Answer

Forensic analysis

Question 49

What is the main difference between Sanger sequencing and Next-generation sequencing?

Accepted Answer

Next-generation sequencing can sequence millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, while Sanger sequencing analyzes a single DNA fragment at a time.

Answer

Sanger sequencing is more accurate than Next-generation sequencing.