ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology 2

Question 1

What is the principle behind polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

Amplifying specific DNA sequences through repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension

Answer

Separating proteins by size

Answer

Culturing bacteria in specialized media

Answer

Measuring antibody-antigen reactions

Question 2

What is the difference between real-time PCR (qPCR) and conventional PCR?

Accepted Answer

qPCR monitors amplification in real-time using fluorescent probes, enabling quantification

Answer

qPCR is faster but less accurate

Answer

Conventional PCR uses higher temperatures

Answer

No significant difference

Question 3

What is the purpose of reverse transcriptase in RT-PCR?

Accepted Answer

To convert RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) before PCR amplification

Answer

To denature DNA at high temperatures

Answer

To separate DNA fragments by size

Answer

To label DNA with fluorescent markers

Question 4

Which molecular technique detects specific DNA sequences by separating fragments and transferring them to a membrane?

Accepted Answer

Southern blot

Answer

Northern blot

Answer

Western blot

Answer

ELISA

Question 5

What is next-generation sequencing (NGS) and how has it impacted clinical diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Massively parallel sequencing of millions of DNA fragments simultaneously

Answer

A faster version of Sanger sequencing

Answer

A protein sequencing technique

Answer

A method for growing bacteria quickly

Question 6

What is FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) used for?

Accepted Answer

Detecting specific DNA/RNA sequences in cells using fluorescent-labeled probes

Answer

Growing fluorescent bacteria

Answer

Measuring body fluid pH

Answer

Performing automated blood counts