Biotechnology Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. Why are bacteria particularly useful organisms for biotechnology and genetic modification?
- A. They have a rapid reproduction rate and can produce complex molecules
- B. They are large enough to observe under a light microscope
- C. They require very long generation times for study
- D. They have a nucleus that makes genetic modification easier
2. Which of the following is a key reason why bacteria are considered suitable organisms for genetic modification from an ethical perspective?
- A. There are few ethical concerns over their manipulation
- B. Bacteria have human-like consciousness
- C. Genetic modification of bacteria is illegal in most countries
- D. Bacteria cannot survive outside laboratory conditions
3. What is a plasmid and why is its presence significant for genetic modification?
- A. A plasmid is a circular loop of DNA found in bacteria that can be used to introduce genes into bacterial cells
- B. A plasmid is a protein found in the bacterial cell membrane that prevents genetic modification
- C. A plasmid is a structure that protects bacteria from antibiotics
- D. A plasmid is a type of enzyme that destroys foreign DNA
4. A biotechnology company wants to produce human insulin using genetically modified bacteria. Which two features of bacteria make them particularly suitable for this application?
- A. Their ability to reproduce slowly and their complex cell membrane structure
- B. Their rapid reproduction rate and the presence of plasmids that allow gene insertion
- C. Their large size and their ability to photosynthesise
- D. Their possession of a nucleus and their long lifespan
5. Explain why the rapid reproduction rate of bacteria is particularly valuable in biotechnology, especially when combined with their ability to produce complex molecules.
- A. It allows genetically modified bacteria to produce large quantities of desired proteins quickly and cost-effectively
- B. It prevents bacteria from being used in any form of biotechnology
- C. It makes bacteria less able to survive in industrial fermenters
- D. It reduces the need for any genetic modification techniques