The 'Bt' in Bt Cotton stands for which organism?
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bacillus typhi
- Bacillus thuringiensis
- Bacterium tuberculosis
Explanation: Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium that naturally produces insecticidal proteins.
Which enzyme is deficient in patients suffering from SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency)?
- Adenosine deaminase
- Pepsin
- Trypsin
- Amylase
Explanation: ADA deficiency leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolites that kill T-lymphocytes, thereby crippling the immune system.
Transgenic 'Mice' are used to test the toxicity of drugs because they are:
- Slow growing
- Very large
- More sensitive
- Not mammals
Explanation: Transgenic animals are made more sensitive to toxic substances, allowing researchers to obtain results in less time than with normal animals.
Which protein is extracted from transgenic organisms to treat 'Cystic Fibrosis'?
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin
- Hemoglobin
- Insulin
- Glucagon
Explanation: While primarily used for emphysema, this protein and similar transgenic products are being developed to treat cystic fibrosis and PKU.
The use of bio-resources by multinational companies without proper authorization from the concerned country is called:
- Bioremediation
- Biosafety
- Biopiracy
- Biofortification
Explanation: Biopiracy refers to the exploitation of biological resources and traditional knowledge of a country by organizations without legal consent or compensation.
The 'Basmati' rice patent controversy involved a claim that the 'new' variety was produced by crossing:
- Wild grass
- Corn and Rice
- Wheat and Rice
- Semi-dwarf varieties
Explanation: The US company claimed their variety was new, but it was actually a cross between Indian Basmati and semi-dwarf varieties, which was already traditional knowledge.
The first transgenic cow, 'Rosie', produced milk that was enriched with which human protein?
- Insulin
- Alpha-lactalbumin
- Beta-carotene
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin
Explanation: Rosie (1997) produced milk containing 2.4 grams per liter of human alpha-lactalbumin, making it more nutritionally balanced for human babies.
Which of the following is a goal of 'Biofortification'?
- Drought tolerance
- Salt resistance
- Pest resistance
- Nutritional enrichment
Explanation: Biofortification is the process of increasing the nutritional value of crops, such as vitamins or minerals, through biotechnology.
Which of the following is a major 'Ethical' concern regarding transgenic animals?
- Size of cage
- Color of skin
- Animal welfare
- Cost of feeding
Explanation: Bioethics involves the moral responsibility of humans toward animals, questioning the suffering caused to animals during the creation of transgenic models.
Which type of vaccine is produced using recombinant DNA technology, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine?
- Live attenuated
- Third generation
- First generation
- Second generation
Explanation: Second-generation vaccines utilize recombinant surface antigens produced in yeast or bacteria instead of the whole pathogen.
The detection of cancer often involves the use of a single-stranded DNA/RNA tagged with a radioactive molecule called a:
- Plasmid
- Primer
- Probe
- Vector
Explanation: A radioactive or fluorescent probe hybridizes with its complementary DNA in a clone of cells, allowing identification of mutated genes via autoradiography.
Genetic engineering has been used to produce 'Hirudin' (an anticoagulant) in the seeds of:
- Brassica napus
- Arabidopsis
- Tobacco
- Rice
Explanation: The gene for hirudin (from leeches) was synthesized and expressed in the seeds of Brassica napus (Rapeseed).
The transgenic 'Flavr Savr' tomato was engineered to have a longer shelf life by delaying:
- Photosynthesis
- Seed germination
- Fruit ripening
- Root growth
Explanation: The Flavr Savr tomato had a deactivated gene for polygalacturonase, an enzyme that degrades pectin, thereby slowing down the softening of the fruit.
The integration of the Bt-toxin gene into a plant provides resistance that can be described as:
- Growth regulator
- Biofertilizer
- Biopesticide
- Bioherbicide
Explanation: The plant itself produces the toxin, reducing the need for external chemical pesticides.
Which of the following is an 'anticoagulant' protein produced in the seeds of transgenic Brassica napus?
- Thrombin
- Hirudin
- Warfarin
- Heparin
Explanation: Hirudin is a natural anticoagulant found in leeches. Scientists synthesized its gene and expressed it in the seeds of Brassica napus for easy extraction.
Which of the following is a 'Second Generation' biofuel produced using biotechnology?
- Biodiesel from seeds
- Coal gas
- Cellulosic ethanol
- Methane from waste
Explanation: Second-generation biofuels use non-food biomass like cellulose and lignin, processed via engineered enzymes and microbes.
The 'Flavr Savr' tomato was created by suppressing which enzyme?
- Polygalacturonase
- Amylase
- Invertase
- DNA Ligase
Explanation: Suppressing the polygalacturonase enzyme prevents the breakdown of pectin, keeping the tomato firm for a longer period.
The principle of ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay) is based on the interaction between:
- Protein and DNA
- Antigen and Antibody
- Enzyme and Lipid
- DNA and RNA
Explanation: ELISA detects infections based on either the presence of antigens (proteins, glycoproteins) or the antibodies produced against the pathogen.
In the production of 'Humulin' by Eli Lilly, the two DNA sequences for chains A and B were introduced into:
- Saccharomyces
- Agrobacterium
- Bacillus subtilis
- Escherichia coli
Explanation: The American company Eli Lilly used E. coli to produce the individual A and B chains of human insulin, which were then joined by disulfide bonds.
The systematic study of the 'Safety and Ethical' implications of biotechnology is termed:
- Bioethics
- Bioinformatics
- Bionics
- Biometry
Explanation: Bioethics addresses the moral issues arising from advances in biology and medicine, including the manipulation of living organisms.
The technology of 'RNAi' has been used to create plants resistant to:
- Bacteria
- Nematodes
- Fungi
- Viruses
Explanation: RNA interference was specifically used to prevent the infection of Meloidogyne incognita in tobacco plant roots.
The 'Human Genome Project' findings are heavily applied in biotechnology for:
- Soil testing
- Space exploration
- Drug design
- Predicting weather
Explanation: Genomic data allows for the identification of drug targets and the development of personalized medicine (pharmacogenomics).
Which part of the 'Anopheles' mosquito is the site of the sexual phase of Plasmodium?
- Stomach
- Nerve cord
- Heart
- Salivary glands
Explanation: While this is a biology fact, biotechnology utilizes this knowledge for developing transmission-blocking vaccines.
Which of the following is a potential risk associated with transgenic crops?
- Higher yields
- Gene flow
- Pest resistance
- Nutritional boost
Explanation: Gene flow (unintended cross-pollination) between GM crops and wild relatives could potentially create 'super-weeds' resistant to herbicides.
Which organization in India is responsible for making decisions regarding the validity of GM research and safety of GMOs?
- GEAC
- CSIR
- ICMR
- NITI Aayog
Explanation: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) evaluates the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms into the public domain.
The DNA probe used in molecular diagnosis is a single-stranded DNA molecule:
- Tagged with radioisotope
- Highly toxic
- Lacking sugar
- Double stranded
Explanation: Probes are labeled with radioactive or fluorescent molecules so their hybridization with complementary DNA can be tracked using autoradiography or sensors.
The term 'Bio-patent' is granted by a government to an inventor for:
- Biological entities
- Construction material
- Fossil fuels
- Electronic goods
Explanation: Bio-patents are legal rights granted for biological discoveries, including strains of microorganisms, cell lines, and genetically modified organisms.
What is the primary structural difference between pro-insulin and mature functional human insulin?
- Presence of A-peptide
- Absence of B-peptide
- Absence of A-peptide
- Presence of C-peptide
Explanation: Pro-insulin contains an extra stretch called the C-peptide, which is removed during maturation and is absent in the functional hormone.
Golden Rice is a transgenic variety of rice which is rich in:
- Lysine
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Iron
Explanation: Golden rice is biofortified with Beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, to address malnutrition and blindness in developing nations.
The primary role of the 'C-peptide' in the human pro-insulin molecule is to:
- Signal the brain
- Provide energy
- Ensure proper folding
- Transport glucose
Explanation: The C-peptide is necessary for the proper folding and alignment of the A and B chains during synthesis, though it is removed from the final mature insulin.
Which molecular diagnostic technique is used to detect low levels of a pathogen before symptoms appear?
- Urine analysis
- Serum analysis
- Stool culture
- PCR
Explanation: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can amplify very low amounts of viral or bacterial DNA, allowing for early detection of infections like HIV.
The production of drugs or useful proteins through transgenic plants or animals is known as:
- Somaclonal variation
- Micropropagation
- Molecular farming
- Tissue culture
Explanation: Molecular farming (or biopharming) uses GMOs as 'bioreactors' to produce high-value pharmaceutical products.
Which part of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used as a vector to introduce genes into plants?
- Mesosomes
- Chromosomal DNA
- Ti-plasmid
- Ribosomes
Explanation: The Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid is disarmed and modified to carry desirable genes into a wide variety of dicot plants.
In 1997, an American company got patent rights on which Indian variety of rice through the US Patent and Trademark Office?
- Indrayani
- Basmati
- Sona Masuri
- Jasmine
Explanation: The company RiceTec was granted a patent on Basmati rice, claiming to have 'invented' a variety that was actually derived from Indian traditional strains.
The use of 'Antisense RNA' technology was the core principle behind the development of:
- Bt Cotton
- Flavr Savr tomato
- Transgenic Rosie
- Golden Rice
Explanation: Antisense technology was used to silence the gene responsible for the enzyme that softens tomatoes.
The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4-year-old girl with a deficiency of:
- Phenylalanine hydroxylase
- Insulin
- Adenosine deaminase
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
Explanation: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a genetic disorder that causes Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID); the first therapy involved functional ADA cDNA.
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Genetically Modified (GM) crops?
- Reduced nutritional value
- Enhanced mineral usage
- Increased cold tolerance
- Reduced chemical usage
Explanation: GMOs are designed to enhance nutritional value (like Vitamin A in rice), not reduce it.
The use of 'RNAi' in plants is essentially a form of:
- Post-transcriptional silencing
- Pre-transcriptional silencing
- Gene duplication
- Mutation induction
Explanation: RNAi acts after the mRNA has been transcribed but before it can be translated into a protein.
In 'ELISA', the detection of a pathogen is confirmed by the change in:
- Color
- pH level
- Temperature
- Mass
Explanation: ELISA uses enzyme-linked antibodies; the enzyme reacts with a substrate to produce a visible color change, indicating the presence of the antigen/antibody.
The 'CryIAc' gene provides protection against which pest?
- Nematode
- Locust
- Corn borer
- Cotton bollworm
Explanation: The genes CryIAc and CryIIAb are effective against the cotton bollworm, while CryIAb targets the corn borer.
The inactive Bt-toxin is converted into an active form in the insect gut due to:
- Alkaline pH
- High temperature
- Acidic pH
- Proteolytic enzymes
Explanation: The protoxin becomes active in the alkaline pH of the insect's midgut, which solubilizes the crystals and leads to pore formation in epithelial cells.
For a permanent cure of ADA deficiency, functional genes must be introduced into cells at which stage?
- Adolescence
- Late childhood
- Adult stage
- Early embryonic
Explanation: While enzyme replacement or marrow transplant can help, introducing the gene into cells at early embryonic stages offers a potential permanent cure.
The 'CryIAb' gene is specifically introduced into crops to provide resistance against:
- Cotton bollworms
- Nematodes
- Tobacco budworm
- Corn borer
Explanation: While CryIAc and CryIIAb control cotton bollworms, CryIAb is the specific gene used to control the corn borer.
Molecular diagnosis is superior to traditional methods because it is:
- Visible to eye
- Very fast
- Highly specific
- Cheap
Explanation: Techniques like PCR and ELISA can detect pathogens at very low concentrations with high precision, often before the patient shows symptoms.
Which nematode infects the roots of tobacco plants and was the first target for RNAi-based resistance?
- Wuchereria bancrofti
- Meloidogyne incognita
- Ancylostoma caninum
- Ascaris lumbricoides
Explanation: Meloidogyne incognita is a root-knot nematode that significantly reduces tobacco yields; RNAi technology was used to create resistant transgenic plants.
Transgenic animals are extensively used to test the safety of which specific vaccine before human use?
- Hepatitis B
- BCG
- Tetanus
- Polio
Explanation: Transgenic mice were developed to test the safety of the polio vaccine; if successful, they could replace the use of monkeys in safety trials.
Transgenic sheep like 'Tracy' were developed to produce a human protein in their:
Explanation: Tracy was a transgenic sheep that produced human alpha-1-antitrypsin in her milk, demonstrating 'molecular farming'.
To treat ADA deficiency via gene therapy, lymphocytes are extracted from the patient's:
- Blood
- Bone marrow
- Spleen
- Liver
Explanation: Lymphocytes are cultured from the patient's blood, a functional ADA cDNA is introduced, and the cells are returned to the patient.
Which of the following is the most common transgenic animal, accounting for over 95% of all existing ones?
- Transgenic Sheep
- Transgenic Cows
- Transgenic Mice
- Transgenic Pigs
Explanation: Mice are the preferred model for genetic research, disease study, and vaccine safety testing due to their rapid reproduction and genetic similarity to humans.
RNA interference (RNAi) involves the silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary:
- Single-stranded RNA
- Double-stranded DNA
- Double-stranded RNA
- Single-stranded DNA
Explanation: RNAi is a cellular defense mechanism where double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers the degradation of a specific mRNA, preventing translation.
What happens when an insect ingests 'Bt-toxin' crystals?
- Brain death
- Sudden dehydration
- Immediate paralysis
- Dissolution in midgut
Explanation: The crystalline protoxins dissolve in the alkaline environment of the insect's midgut, becoming active toxins.
Which of the following is a 'Biosafety' concern of GM crops?
- High cost
- Allergenicity
- Water usage
- Low yield
Explanation: There is a concern that transferring genes from one species to another could introduce new allergens into the food supply.
The term 'T-DNA' in the context of plant transformation stands for:
- Template DNA
- Total DNA
- Transfer DNA
- Terminal DNA
Explanation: T-DNA is the segment of the Ti-plasmid that is transferred from the Agrobacterium into the host plant's genome.
In the context of molecular diagnosis, the technique of 'Autoradiography' is primarily utilized to detect which of the following anomalies?
- Elevated serum cholesterol
- Bacterial cell counts
- Presence of mutated genes
- Viral protein coats
Explanation: A single-stranded DNA or RNA probe tagged with a radioactive molecule will hybridize to its complementary normal DNA. However, it will not hybridize with a mutated gene due to the lack of complementarity, making the mutated clone undetectable on the photographic film.
The use of 'Agrobacterium' vectors for RNA interference (RNAi) is primarily intended to:
- Kill the plant
- Stop photosynthesis
- Introduce dsRNA
- Increase plant height
Explanation: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is used to introduce nematode-specific genes into the host plant such that they produce both sense and anti-sense RNA, forming dsRNA to trigger RNAi.
Which of the following describes the mechanism of 'Biopesticides' like Bt-toxin?
- Respiratory blockage
- Midgut pore formation
- Nervous system failure
- Systemic poisoning
Explanation: The activated Bt-toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells, creating pores that cause cell swelling and lysis, eventually killing the insect.
The biological product 'Alpha-1-antitrypsin' produced via transgenic animals is used to treat:
- Phenylketonuria
- Emphysema
- Cystic fibrosis
- Albinism
Explanation: Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a protein used to treat emphysema; similar attempts are being made for the treatment of PKU and cystic fibrosis.
The main challenge in the production of insulin using rDNA techniques was:
- Isolating mRNA
- Synthesizing A-chain
- Joining disulfide bonds
- Removing C-peptide
Explanation: Human insulin is synthesized as a pro-hormone containing the C-peptide. The technical challenge was to produce A and B chains separately and join them, as bacteria cannot process the pro-insulin to remove the C-peptide.
The 'GEAC' in India falls under which ministry?
- Science and Technology
- Health
- Agriculture
- Environment and Forests
Explanation: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
A person with a 'defective gene' can be treated by delivering a normal functional gene through:
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Gene therapy
- Physiotherapy
Explanation: Gene therapy involves the insertion of genes into an individual's cells and tissues to treat a disease, especially hereditary diseases.