Genetic Engineering and the Structure of DNA Uncovered

Mr. Andersen's video covers the basics of DNA and RNA, starting with a genetic engineering example using a peanut plant. The video explores the history of DNA research, highlighting key experiments by Griffith, Avery-MacLeod-McCarty, and Hershey-Chase, which established DNA as the genetic material. It also discusses the contributions of Watson, Crick, Wilkins, and Franklin in discovering the double helix structure. The video concludes with an explanation of DNA organization in chromosomes, comparing eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

What is the main reason the genetically engineered peanut plant is not eaten by the larvae?

• It grows faster than the larvae can eat.

• It is protected by a chemical spray.

• It produces a toxin from a bacterial gene.

• It has a thicker shell.

Which experiment first suggested the existence of a 'transforming factor' in bacteria?

• Avery-MacLeod-McCarty experiment

• Frederick Griffith experiment

• Watson-Crick experiment

• Hershey-Chase experiment

What was the main conclusion of the Hershey-Chase experiment?

• Bacteria can be infected by viruses.

• RNA is responsible for genetic transformation.

• DNA is the hereditary material.

• Proteins are the genetic material.

Who were the scientists primarily credited with discovering the structure of DNA?

• Avery and MacLeod

• Hershey and Chase

• Watson and Crick

• Griffith and Franklin

What did Chargaff's rule reveal about the composition of DNA?

• Proteins are more complex than DNA.

• DNA is composed of a single strand.

• The amount of adenine equals thymine, and cytosine equals guanine.

• DNA is made up of three bases.

What is the characteristic shape of a eukaryotic chromosome?

• Hexagonal

• Circular

• Linear

• Triangular

In prokaryotic cells, how is the chromosome typically organized?

• As a linear structure

• As a loop

• As a double helix

• As a series of fragments

What is the role of histone proteins in eukaryotic cells?

• They organize DNA into chromosomes.

• They transport RNA.

• They help in protein synthesis.

• They replicate DNA.

What is 'junk DNA' often referred to in the context of eukaryotic chromosomes?

• DNA that codes for proteins

• DNA that is not part of any gene

• DNA that is found in prokaryotes

• DNA that is essential for cell division

What is a plasmid in the context of prokaryotic cells?

• A type of virus

• A small loop of DNA

• A cell organelle

• A protein molecule