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Biology Microbiology and Biotechnology Flashcards

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  1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the central dogma of molecular biology?

    Answer: Replication → Transcription → Translation

    The central dogma states that DNA is replicated, then transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

  2. Which organism is commonly used as a model in genetic engineering due to its well-characterized genetics and rapid growth?

    Answer: Escherichia coli

    E. coli is the most widely used model bacterium in genetic engineering due to its fast doubling time (~20 min), well-known genetics, and ease of transformation.

  3. What is the purpose of the selectable marker in a cloning vector?

    Answer: To identify bacteria that have taken up the recombinant plasmid

    A selectable marker (typically an antibiotic resistance gene) allows researchers to identify and select only bacteria that have successfully incorporated the plasmid.

  4. Which process describes the movement of genetic material from one bacterium to another via a virus?

    Answer: Transduction

    Transduction is horizontal gene transfer mediated by bacteriophages, which accidentally package bacterial DNA and transfer it to a new host cell.

  5. In bioremediation, microorganisms are used primarily to:

    Answer: Degrade or detoxify pollutants in the environment

    Bioremediation exploits microbial metabolic pathways to break down, neutralize, or transform toxic pollutants (e.g., oil spills, heavy metals) into less harmful substances.

  6. Which structure enables some bacteria to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms?

    Answer: Fimbriae (pili)

    Fimbriae (short pili) are hair-like appendages that allow bacteria to attach to host cell surfaces, medical devices, and other substrates where biofilms form.

  7. What distinguishes a live attenuated vaccine from an inactivated vaccine?

    Answer: Live attenuated vaccines contain weakened but living pathogens; inactivated vaccines use killed pathogens

    Live attenuated vaccines use weakened (avirulent) but viable pathogens that can replicate and stimulate strong immunity, while inactivated vaccines use killed pathogens.