3.5 Genetic Modification and Biotechnology

Which of the following is the primary purpose of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

A. Modification of proteins

B. Amplification of DNA

C. Creation of recombinant DNA

D. Separation of DNA fragments by size

What is the role of plasmids in genetic engineering?

A. To act as enzymes that cut DNA

B. To act as vectors for transferring genes

C. To separate DNA fragments by size

D. To amplify DNA sequences

Which technique is primarily used for separating DNA fragments by size?

A. PCR

B. Genetic engineering

C. Gel electrophoresis

D. DNA profiling

What is the main application of DNA profiling?

A. Amplifying DNA

B. Creating GMOs

C. Forensic science and paternity testing

D. Producing insulin in bacteria

Which process involves the creation of recombinant DNA for producing products like insulin?

A. Gel electrophoresis

B. PCR

C. Genetic engineering

D. DNA profiling

a) Explain the process of creating recombinant DNA using plasmids as vectors, and discuss its significance in producing insulin in bacteria. [4]

b) Describe the principle and procedure of gel electrophoresis and explain how it is used in DNA profiling. [4]

a) Discuss the concept and steps of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and explain its various applications in medical diagnostics and forensic science. [4]

b) Explain the concept of co-dominance using the ABO blood group system as an example and discuss the genetic control of the Rh factor. [4]

a) Discuss the creation and applications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture, highlighting the benefits and concerns associated with their use. [4]

b) Explain the concept of polygenic inheritance and discuss how it contributes to continuous variation in traits such as skin colour and height. [4]

a) Outline the steps involved in the process of genetic engineering to produce recombinant DNA. [3]

b) Discuss how Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to amplify DNA and mention its significance in forensic science. [4]

c) Explain the concept of multiple alleles using the ABO blood group system as an illustration. [3]

a) Describe the principle and procedure of gel electrophoresis and its application in DNA fingerprinting. [4]

b) Discuss Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment, illustrating with examples from pea plants. [4]

c) Explain how genetic modification in agriculture has raised both benefits and concerns. [2]