Biotechnology — Set 3

Correct Answer: D. Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is often called 'nature’s smallest genetic engineer' due to its ability to transfer DNA. It naturally infects plants and integrates its plasmid DNA into the plant genome. Scientists have modified this bacterium to carry beneficial genes instead of causing disease.

Correct Answer: A. Marine and aquatic applications

Blue biotechnology involves using marine biological resources to develop new products. This includes extracting medicinal compounds from sponges or using algae for biofuel production. The vast biodiversity of the oceans remains a major frontier for this field.

Correct Answer: D. Complementary DNA synthesized from mRNA

Complementary DNA (cDNA) is synthesized from a messenger RNA template using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. It contains only the coding sequences (exons) of a gene, making it ideal for cloning in bacteria. This process bypasses the complex intron-splicing mechanisms of eukaryotic cells.

Correct Answer: C. Thermus aquaticus

Taq polymerase is extracted from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which lives in hot springs. Because it is heat-stable, it does not denature during the high-temperature cycles of PCR. This discovery was the key breakthrough that made automated DNA amplification possible.

Correct Answer: D. RT-PCR

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) converts viral RNA into DNA and then amplifies it. It is considered the 'gold standard' for detecting the presence of the virus with high sensitivity. This test can detect even small amounts of viral material in a patient's sample.

Correct Answer: C. Directly injecting DNA into plant cells

A gene gun shoots microscopic gold or tungsten particles coated with DNA into target cells. It is a physical method of transformation used when biological vectors like Agrobacterium are not effective. This technique is particularly useful for monocot plants like corn and rice.

Correct Answer: D. Targeted therapy for diseases like cancer

Monoclonal antibodies are identical immune system proteins designed to bind to specific targets, such as cancer cells. They can flag cells for destruction or block specific receptors to stop disease progression. They are produced using 'Hybridoma' technology.

Correct Answer: D. Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze large genomic and proteomic datasets. It is essential for mapping the human genome and predicting protein structures. This field allows researchers to store and retrieve biological information efficiently.

Correct Answer: D. Replace or fix faulty genes to treat genetic disorders

Gene therapy involves inserting a functional gene into a patient's cells to correct a genetic defect. It targets the root cause of hereditary diseases rather than just treating the symptoms. Early successes have been seen in treating certain types of blindness and blood disorders.

Correct Answer: A. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

PHAs are biodegradable polyesters produced by bacteria as energy storage molecules. They can be harvested and processed into plastics that break down naturally in the environment. This technology offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.