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All questions of Biotechnology: Principle & Processes for NEET Exam

Which one is called molecular scissors?
a) Endocrine
b) Ribonuclease
c) Restriction enzymes
d) Exonuclease
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Menon answered
Restriction enzymes are also called 'molecular scissors' as they cleave DNA at or near specific recognition sequences known as restriction sites. These enzymes make one incision on each of the two strands of DNA and are also called restriction endonucleases.

The colonies of recombinant bacteria appear white in contrast to blue colonies of non recombinant bacteria because of :
[NEET 2013]
  • a)
    Insertional inactivation of α-galactosidase in recombinant bacteria 
  • b)
    Non-recombinant bacteria containing  β-galactosidease 
  • c)
    Inactivation of glycosidase enzyme in recombinant bacteria
  • d)
    None of these
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dev Patel answered
The blue-white screen is a screening technique that allows for the rapid and convenient detection of recombinant bacteria . This technique is based on the insertional inactivation of the β-galactosidase gene.
Cells transformed with vector containing the recombinant DNA contain an inactive form of the β-galactosidase gene and hence produce white colonies.
cells transformed with non-recombinant plasmid i.e. only the vector, have an active β-galactosidase gene and thus produce blue colonies.

The group of letters that form same words when read both forward and backward are called?
  • a)
    Palindrome
  • b)
    Puzzle
  • c)
    Endonucleases
  • d)
    Sticky ends
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Pooja Saha answered
The groups of letters that form same words when read both forward and backward are called Palindrome. For example MALYALAM which read same from both side.

Insertional inactivation helps in
  • a)
    X-gal breakdown
  • b)
    Identification of recombinant clones
  • c)
    Ampicillin resistance
  • d)
    Functioning of B-galactosidase
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Insertional inactivation is a technique used in molecular biology to identify recombinant clones. It involves the insertion of a foreign DNA fragment into a plasmid vector, which disrupts the function of a selectable marker gene. This results in the loss of the ability of the host cell to grow on a selective medium containing the corresponding antibiotic.

Mechanism

The mechanism of insertional inactivation involves the insertion of a foreign DNA fragment into a plasmid vector, which disrupts the function of a selectable marker gene. The selectable marker gene is usually a gene that confers resistance to an antibiotic, such as ampicillin. The disruption of this gene results in the loss of the ability of the host cell to grow on a selective medium containing the corresponding antibiotic. This allows for the identification of recombinant clones that have taken up the plasmid vector with the foreign DNA fragment.

Applications

Insertional inactivation is commonly used in molecular biology to identify recombinant clones. It is particularly useful in the construction of cDNA libraries and the screening of genomic DNA libraries for specific genes. It can also be used to study gene expression and regulation, as well as for the production of recombinant proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, insertional inactivation is a useful technique in molecular biology for identifying recombinant clones. It involves the insertion of a foreign DNA fragment into a plasmid vector, which disrupts the function of a selectable marker gene. This results in the loss of the ability of the host cell to grow on a selective medium containing the corresponding antibiotic, allowing for the identification of recombinant clones that have taken up the plasmid vector with the foreign DNA fragment.

Enzymes used to join foreign DNA to plasmid is______.
  • a)
    Nucleases
  • b)
    Ligases
  • c)
    Endonucleases
  • d)
    Pectinases
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The Enzymes used to join foreign DNA to plasmid is ligases. The plasmid of bacteria replicate this DNA strands along with other which can be further transferred to target cells.

The smallest bands in the agarose gel will be towards
  • a)
    Wells
  • b)
    Middle of the gel
  • c)
    Cathode
  • d)
    Anode
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sonal Kulkarni answered
Gel electrophoresis technique involves separation of different segments of DNA according to their size. The smallest bands in the agarose gel will be towards positively charged anode.

Biolistics (gene-gun) is suitable for[2012M]
a)DNA finger printing.
b)Disarming pathogen vectors.
c)Constructing recombinant DNA by joining with vectors.
d)Transformation of plant cells.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pooja Mehta answered
A gene gun or a biolistic particle delivery system, originally designed for plant transformation, is a device for delivering exogenous DNA (transgenes) to cells. The payload is an elemental particle of a heavy metal coated with DNA (typically plasmid DNA). This technique is often simply referred to as biolistics.

The particles used to coat with DNA in Biolistic gun is of
  • a)
    Tungsten
  • b)
    Zinc
  • c)
    Helium
  • d)
    Quartz
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

DNA is coated with tungsten before used in biolistic gun for inserting the DNA directly into target cells for obtaining particular protein.

Rop genes in pBR322 codes for______.
  • a)
    Tetracycline resistance
  • b)
    Antibiotic resistance
  • c)
    Proteins involved in replication of plasmid
  • d)
    Ampicillin resistance
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Yash Saha answered
Rop genes in pBR322 codes for protein involved in replication of plasmid. Plasmid are able to take the foreign gene and to be transferred to target cells.

A bioreactor is:
  • a)
    Culture for synthesis of new chemicals
  • b)
    Hybridoma
  • c)
    Culture containing radioactive isotopes
  • d)
    Fermentation tank
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
Fermentation is defined more from the point of view of engineers. They see fermentation as the cultivation of high amount of microorganisms and biotransformation being carried out in special vessels called fermenter or bioreactors.

The nuclease will act on______.
  • a)
    DNA only
  • b)
    Proteins
  • c)
    RNA only
  • d)
    DNA and RNA
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Arya Khanna answered
The enzyme nuclease acts on nucleic acid DNA and RNA. This enzyme is used to hydrolyze nucleic acid.

Polyethylene glycol method is used for
[2009]
  • a)
    biodiesel production
  • b)
    seedless fruit production
  • c)
    energy production from sewage
  • d)
    gene transfer without a vector
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhiram Nair answered
Direct gene transfer is the transfer of naked. DNA into plant cells but the presence of rigid plant cell wall acts as a barrier to uptake. Therefore protoplasts are the favoured target for direct gene transfer. Polyethylene glycol mediated DNA uptake is a direct gene transfer method that utilizes the interaction between polyethylene glycol, naked DNA, salts and the protoplast membrane to effect transport of the DNA into the cytoplasm.

In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used
[2012M]
  • a)
    as selectable markers.
  • b)
    to select healthy vectors.
  • c)
    to keep the cultures free of infection.
  • d)
    as sequences from where replication starts.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Raghav Khanna answered
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used as selectable markers.

PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism are the methods for :
[2012]
  • a)
    Study of enzymes
  • b)
    Genetic transformation
  • c)
    DNA sequencing
  • d)
    Genetic Fingerprinting
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avantika Roy answered
PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) are the methods used for Genetic Fingerprinting.

Genetic Fingerprinting:
Genetic Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on differences in their DNA sequences. It is also known as DNA fingerprinting, DNA profiling or DNA typing. Genetic fingerprinting is used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, and studying genetic relationships between individuals.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):
PCR is a technique used to amplify a specific region of DNA. It is a three-step process that involves denaturation, annealing, and extension. PCR is used to create a large amount of DNA from a small amount of starting material, such as a single hair or a drop of blood.

RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism):
RFLP is a technique used to analyze differences in DNA sequences. It involves cutting DNA with a restriction enzyme and separating the resulting fragments by gel electrophoresis. RFLP is used to identify genetic variations between individuals.

PCR and RFLP are used together in genetic fingerprinting to create a unique DNA profile for an individual. PCR is used to amplify specific regions of DNA, and RFLP is used to analyze the resulting fragments to identify differences between individuals. These differences are then used to create a DNA profile that can be used for identification purposes.

Phage is a______.
  • a)
    Fungi
  • b)
    Virion
  • c)
    Viroids
  • d)
    Virus that infects bacteria
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Phage is a virus that infects bacteria. Such viruses transfer their genetic materials into host bacteria and using the bacterial machinery increase in number and multiply rapidly to kill host cells.

There is a restriction endonuclease called EcoRI. What does .co. part in it stand for ?
[2011]
  • a)
    colon
  • b)
    coelom
  • c)
    coenzyme
  • d)
    coli
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Joshi answered
EcoRI is an endonuclease enzyme isolated from strains of E.coli and a part of restriction modified system. So co part stands for coli.

Genes of interest can be selected from a genomic library by using
[NEET Kar. 2013]
  • a)
    Restriction enzymes
  • b)
    Cloning vectors
  • c)
    DNA probes
  • d)
    Gene targets
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

A hybridization probe is a fragment of DNA of variable length which is used in DNA samples to detect the presence of nucleotide sequence (the DNA target) that are complementary to the sequence in the probe. The probe hybridize to single–stranded DNA whose base sequence allow probe target base-pairing due to complementary between the probe and target.

Two microbes found to be very useful in genetic engineering are
  • a)
    Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens
  • b)
    Vibrio cholerae and a tailed bacteriophage
  • c)
    Diplococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.
  • d)
    Crown gall bacterium and Caenorhabditis elegans
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Iyer answered
Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens are the microbes found to be very useful in genetic engineering. 

E. coli is a motile, gram negative, rod shaped bacterium which is a normal inhabitant of human colon. It is most extensively used in bacterial genetics and molecular biology.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium. It has Ti plasmid (Tumour inducing plasmid) and it can be used for the transfer of a desired gene in dicot plants.

DNA fragments generated by the restriction endonucleases in a chemical reaction can be separated by :
[NEET 2013]
  • a)
    Polymerase chain reaction
  • b)
    Electrophoresis
  • c)
    Restriction mapping
  • d)
    Centrifugation
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases in a chemical reaction can be separated by gel electrophoresis. Since DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules they can be separated by forcing them to move towards the anode under an electric field through a medium/matrix. The DNA fragments separate according to their size through sieving effect provided by matrix.

After completion of the biosynthetic stage in the bioreactors, the product undergoes separation and purification processes, collectively termed as __________.
  • a)
    Transformation
  • b)
    Electrophoresis
  • c)
    Downstream processing
  • d)
    Upstream processing
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dev Patel answered
After the formation of the product in bioreactors, it undergoes through some processes before a finished product is ready for marketing. The processes include separation and purification of products which is collectively called as downstream processing.

For transformation, micro-particles coated with DNA to be bombarded with gene gun are made up of :
  • a)
    Silver or Platinum
  • b)
    Gold or Tungsten
  • c)
    Silicon or Platinum
  • d)
    Platinum or Zinc
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Hitakshi Tamta answered
For gene transfer into the host cell without using vector microparticles made of tungsten and gold coated with foregin DNA are bombarded into target cells at a very high velocity. This method is called biolistics or gene gun which is suitable for plants.So the correct option is 'gold or tungsten'.

Introduction of food plants developed by genetic engineering is not desirable because
[2002]
  • a)
    economy of developing countries may suffer
  • b)
    these products are less tasty as compared to the already existing products
  • c)
    this method is costly
  • d)
    there is danger of entry of viruses and toxins with introduced crop
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajeev Sharma answered
Plants developed by genetic engineering are called transgenic plants or genetically modified crops from which genetically modified food is produced. For their production micro-organisms (bacteria, virus) are used. So, by consuming them there is a danger of entry of viruses and toxins causing differ types of allergies and other health hazards to human beings.

Plasmid used to construct the first recombinant DNA was isolated from which bacterium species?
  • a)
    Escherichia coli
  • b)
    Salmonella typhimurium
  • c)
    Agrobacterium tumefaciens
  • d)
    Thermus aquaticus
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Riya Banerjee answered
The first recombinant DNA was constructed by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1972. They cut the piece of DNA from a plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance gene in the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and linked it to the plasmid of Escherichia coil.

 DNA fingerprinting can resolve:
  • a)
    Identification of a person
  • b)
    Paternity dispute
  • c)
    Maternity dispute
  • d)
    All of above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

DNA fingerprinting can resolve:

Identification of a person:
- DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profiles.
- Every person's DNA is unique, except for identical twins, making DNA fingerprinting a highly accurate method for identification.
- By comparing DNA samples from a crime scene, for example, with the DNA profiles of suspects, forensic scientists can determine the identity of the perpetrator.

Paternity dispute:
- DNA fingerprinting can also be used to resolve paternity disputes.
- By analyzing the DNA profiles of a child and potential fathers, it is possible to determine the biological father.
- This is done by comparing specific DNA markers between the child and the potential fathers.
- If the child shares common DNA markers with a potential father that are not present in the other potential fathers, it indicates that the tested individual is the biological father.

Maternity dispute:
- Similarly, DNA fingerprinting can also be used to resolve maternity disputes.
- By analyzing DNA profiles of a child and potential mothers, it is possible to determine the biological mother.
- This is done by comparing specific DNA markers between the child and the potential mothers.
- If the child shares common DNA markers with a potential mother that are not present in the other potential mothers, it indicates that the tested individual is the biological mother.

All of the above:
- DNA fingerprinting can resolve all the mentioned scenarios: identification of a person, paternity disputes, and maternity disputes.
- This technique has revolutionized forensic science, allowing accurate identification of individuals involved in criminal activities.
- It has also played a crucial role in resolving legal disputes regarding parentage, ensuring the correct determination of biological relationships.

In conclusion, DNA fingerprinting is a powerful tool that can be used to resolve various scenarios, including the identification of individuals, determination of paternity, and resolution of maternity disputes. Its accuracy and reliability make it an indispensable technique in forensic science and legal proceedings.

Which of the given statements is correct in the context of visualizing DNA molecules separated by agarose gel electrophoresis?
  • a)
    Ethidium bromide stained DNA can be seen under exposure to UV light
  • b)
    DNA can be seen without staining in visible light
  • c)
    Ethidium bromide stained DNA can be seen in visible light
  • d)
    DNA can be seen in visible light 
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vaishnavi Sen answered
Visualizing DNA Molecules Separated by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a widely used technique to separate DNA molecules based on their size. The separated DNA fragments can be visualized using different methods.

Ethidium Bromide Staining and UV Light

Ethidium bromide is a commonly used fluorescent dye that intercalates into the DNA double helix and emits fluorescence under UV light. When DNA is stained with ethidium bromide and exposed to UV light, the dye binds to the DNA and fluoresces, allowing the DNA bands to be visualized.

Correct Statement

Option 'A' is correct in the context of visualizing DNA molecules separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Ethidium bromide stained DNA can be seen under exposure to UV light. The other options are incorrect because DNA cannot be seen without staining in visible light, and ethidium bromide stained DNA cannot be seen in visible light. However, DNA can be seen in visible light if it is stained with other dyes such as SYBR Green.

Significance

Visualization of DNA molecules separated by agarose gel electrophoresis is important in various molecular biology applications, including genomic DNA analysis, PCR product analysis, and DNA sequencing. Ethidium bromide staining and UV light visualization are the most commonly used methods due to their simplicity, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. However, the use of ethidium bromide has some safety concerns due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Therefore, alternative DNA stains such as SYBR Green and GelRed have been developed, which are safer and more environmentally friendly.

DNA strands on a gel stained with ethidium bromide when viewed under UV radiation, appear as:       [NEET 2021]
  • a)
    Dark red bands
  • b)
    Bright blue bands
  • c)
    Yellow bands
  • d)
    Bright orange bands
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Sengupta answered
The separated DNA fragments can be visualised only after staining the DNA with a compound known as ethidium bromide followed by exposure to UV radiation (you cannot see pure DNA fragments in the visible light and without staining). You can see bright orange coloured bands of DNA in a ethidium bromide stained gel exposed to UV light.

Assertion: The separated DNA fragments can be visualized only after staining the DNA with a compound known as ethidium bromide followed by exposure to UV radiation.
Reason: We can see bright red coloured bands of DNA in an ethidium bromide-stained gel exposed to UV light.
  • a)
    Both assertion and reason are correct.
  • b)
    Assertion is correct but reason does not explain the assertion
  • c)
    Both assertion and reason are incorrect.
  • d)
    Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The separated DNA fragments can be visualized only after staining the DNA with a compound known as ethidium bromide followed by exposure to UV radiation. We can see bright orange coloured bands of DNA in aethidium bromide stained gel exposed to UV light.
Topic in NCERT: Separation and isolation of DNA fragments
Line in NCERT: "The separated DNA fragments can be visualised only after staining the DNA with a compound known as ethidium bromide followed by exposure to UV radiation (you cannot see pure DNA fragments in the visible light and without staining). You can see bright orange coloured bands of DNA in an ethidium bromide stained gel exposed to UV light."
 

Which of the following is not a desirable feature of a cloning vector?
  • a)
    Presence of origin of replication
  • b)
    Presence of a marker gene
  • c)
    Presence of single restriction enzyme site
  • d)
    Presence of two or more recognition sites
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Top Rankers answered
Option (d) is the correct answer. Cloning vectors are the carriers of the desired gene in the host cell. The features desirable in a cloning vector are :-
  • Presence of origin of replication
  • Presence of marker genes
  • Presence of very few, preferably single recognition site for the commonly used restriction enzymes

Primers are______.
  • a)
    Nucleases
  • b)
    Fragments of RNA
  • c)
    Palindromic sequences
  • d)
    Chemically synthesized oligonucleotides
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandini Iyer answered
Primers are chemically synthesized oligonucleotides that are complementary to the regions of DNA and the enzyme DNA polymerase.

Restriction endonuclease
  • a)
    Cuts the DNA molecule at specific sites
  • b)
    Synthesizes DNA
  • c)
    Restricts the synthesis of DNA inside the nucleus
  • d)
    Cuts the DNA molecule randomly
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Hitakshi Tamta answered
Restriction endonuclease is a type of enzyme that can cleave molecules of DNA at a particular site called restriction site having polindromic sequence. These enzymes are produced by many bacteria and protect the cell by cleaving and destroying the DNA of invading viruses. Now a days, restriction enzymes are widely used in the techniques of genetic engineering.Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A'.

______ a crown gall bacterium, is called as 'natural genetic engineer' of plants.
  • a)
    Escherichia coli
  • b)
    Streptomyces albus
  • c)
    Agrobacterium tumefaciens
  • d)
    Azotobacter
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Joshi answered
A soil-inhabiting plant bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a pathogen of several dicot plants. It is able to transfer a piece of DNA known as 'T-DNA' into the plant cells. The T-DNA causes tumours, the tumours are called crown galls. Tumour formation is induced by Ti plasmid (Ti for tumour inducing). As gene transfer occurs without human effort, the bacterium is called natural genetic engineer of plants. Similarly retroviruses in animals including humans are able to change normal cells into cancerous cells.

The letter 'R' in EcoRI is derived from
  • a)
    the name of genus
  • b)
    the name of strain
  • c)
    the name of species
  • d)
    the term 'restriction'
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dev Patel answered
In EcoRI, capital letter E comes from the genus Escherichia. The letters co are from the species coli. The letter R is from RY 13 (strain). The Roman number I indicates that it was the first enzyme isolated from the bacterium E.coli RY 13.

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