Genetic Modification Quiz

What is genetic modification?

• The process of selective breeding to produce desired traits
• Changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing, or inserting genes
• The natural mutation of genes over time
• The process of cloning an entire organism

Which of the following is NOT an example of genetic modification?

• Inserting human insulin genes into bacteria
• Creating herbicide-resistant crops
• Selective breeding of dogs for specific traits
• Adding genes to rice to increase vitamin content

Which enzymes are used to cut DNA at specific sequences during genetic modification?

• DNA ligase
• Restriction enzymes
• Polymerase enzymes
• Transcription enzymes

What is a plasmid?

• A type of bacteria used in genetic modification
• A circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can be used as a vector
• A tool used to cut DNA
• A protein produced by genetically modified organisms

What is the purpose of DNA ligase in genetic modification?

• To cut DNA at specific points
• To join DNA fragments together
• To identify genes of interest
• To multiply bacteria

Which of the following is an example of a genetically modified crop?

• Organic tomatoes
• Golden Rice (with added vitamin A)
• Naturally pest-resistant potatoes
• Hybrid corn produced by cross-pollination

What are 'sticky ends' in the context of genetic modification?

• The ends of DNA fragments that have complementary unpaired bases
• The ends of bacterial cells that allow them to stick to surfaces
• The sticky substance produced by genetically modified plants
• The ends of chromosomes that prevent genetic modification

Which of the following is a common reason for genetically modifying crops?

• To make them taste better
• To make them more colorful
• To make them resistant to pests or herbicides
• To make them grow faster in cold weather

Human insulin for diabetics can be produced by:

• Extracting it from pig pancreases
• Chemical synthesis in laboratories
• Genetically modified bacteria containing the human insulin gene
• Harvesting it from human donors

Which of the following is a potential concern about genetically modified organisms?

• They might transfer modified genes to wild populations
• They use too much water
• They grow too slowly
• They are too expensive to produce