Biology Test Biology Microbiology and Biotechnology 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Replication → Transcription → Translation

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To identify bacteria that have taken up the recombinant plasmid

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Answer

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

Question 5

In bioremediation, microorganisms are used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Degrade or detoxify pollutants in the environment

Answer

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

Biology Practice Test

Biology Practice Test

Biology Test Biology Microbiology and Biotechnology 5