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