Exploring Key Techniques in Molecular Biology

Mr. Andersen discusses the evolution of molecular biology, starting with the discovery of thermus aquaticus and its enzyme, Taq polymerase, which revolutionized genetic engineering. He uses an analogy of creating a ransom note to explain DNA manipulation techniques like restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, and PCR. The video also covers the development of recombinant DNA and the role of DNA sequencing in understanding genetic information, highlighting the Human Genome Project and future challenges in decoding protein functions.

What is the significance of Taq Polymerase in molecular biology?

• It can replicate RNA.

• It is found in human cells.

• It degrades DNA.

• It can withstand high temperatures.

What is the role of restriction enzymes in DNA manipulation?

• They paste DNA fragments together.

• They replicate DNA.

• They cut DNA at specific sequences.

• They sequence DNA.

How do hydrogen bonds function in DNA manipulation?

• They allow DNA fragments to rejoin.

• They cut DNA.

• They sequence DNA.

• They replicate DNA.

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in molecular biology?

• To replicate DNA.

• To cut DNA.

• To sequence DNA.

• To separate DNA fragments by size.

What does PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) do?

• It pastes DNA fragments together.

• It sequences DNA.

• It cuts DNA.

• It makes copies of DNA.

What is a DNA marker?

• A method to sequence DNA.

• A section of DNA that indicates a specific trait.

• A process to replicate DNA.

• A tool to cut DNA.

What is the current limitation in DNA sequencing?

• We cannot determine the order of DNA letters.

• We do not know what proteins the genes express.

• We cannot replicate DNA.

• We cannot cut DNA.

How do bacteria protect their DNA from viral attacks?

• By cutting their own DNA.

• By methylating their DNA.

• By sequencing their DNA.

• By replicating their DNA.

What is the role of a primer in PCR?

• To cut DNA.

• To sequence DNA.

• To paste DNA fragments together.

• To initiate DNA replication.

What is the next major project after the Human Genome Project?

• Human DNA Project

• Human Proteome Project

• Human RNA Project

• Human Cell Project