Q101. Which of the following crops was the first transgenic crop introduced for commercial cultivation in the world?
Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology: RAS Prelims MCQs
179 RAS Prelims MCQs on genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology cover DNA structure, chromosomes, recombinant DNA tools, plant tissue culture, biotech products and bioethics. Purines, base pairing, Chargaff’s rule, vectors, totipotency, Humulin, Feynman’s lecture, the Nagoya Protocol and biopiracy are asked as facts and sequences, with explanations that name the process behind each fact.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 101–110 of 179 questions
Q102. The Human Genome Project (HGP) was officially launched in which year?
Explanation
The Human Genome Project was an international scientific research project officially launched in October 1990. Its monumental goal was to determine the base pairs that make up human DNA and to identify and map all the genes of the human genome from both a physical and functional standpoint. This multi-billion dollar mega-project involved scientists from around the world and was publicly funded.
Q103. Consider the following statements about the Human Genome Project:
I. It aimed to sequence the entire 3 billion base pairs of human DNA.
II. It discovered that humans have around 20,000 - 25,000 genes.
III. Less than 2% of the genome codes for proteins.
IV. It was an international, publicly funded mega-project.
V. It helped establish the field of bioinformatics.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It aimed to sequence the entire 3 billion base pairs of human DNA.
II. It discovered that humans have around 20,000 - 25,000 genes.
III. Less than 2% of the genome codes for proteins.
IV. It was an international, publicly funded mega-project.
V. It helped establish the field of bioinformatics.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Human Genome Project was a public mega-project that successfully sequenced the 3 billion base pairs of the human genome. Major findings included that humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes, and that less than 2% of the entire genome actually codes for proteins. The project also directly led to the birth of bioinformatics, the field dedicated to managing genomic research data.
Q104. Consider the following steps involved in sequencing a genome (Whole Genome Shotgun approach):
I. Isolation of DNA
II. Fragmentation
III. Cloning into vectors
IV. Sequencing
V. Computer-based assembly
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
I. Isolation of DNA
II. Fragmentation
III. Cloning into vectors
IV. Sequencing
V. Computer-based assembly
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
Explanation
The Whole Genome Shotgun approach involves several logical steps. First, the total DNA is isolated from the cell. Then, it is broken into smaller fragments. These fragments are cloned into vectors to create a genomic library. Each fragment is then sequenced using automated sequencers. Finally, powerful computer algorithms are used to align overlapping sequences and assemble them into the complete genome sequence.
Q105. According to the findings of the Human Genome Project, the total number of estimated genes in humans is approximately:
Explanation
One of the most surprising discoveries of the Human Genome Project was that the human genome contains far fewer genes than previously estimated. Before the project, many scientists predicted upwards of 100,000 genes. However, the final analysis revealed that humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes. This finding suggested that human biological complexity arises more from gene regulation than numbers.
Q106. Which chromosome was the last to be completely sequenced in the Human Genome Project (completed in 2006)?
Explanation
Chromosome 1 is the largest human chromosome, containing approximately 3,000 genes. Due to its sheer size and complexity, it was the last chromosome to be completely sequenced as part of the Human Genome Project. The finished sequence of Chromosome 1 was officially published in May 2006, marking the final milestone in the primary sequencing phase of the thirteen-year long international effort.
Q107. In the context of the Human Genome Project, what does SNP stand for?
Explanation
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. It is the most common type of genetic variation in humans. For example, at a specific location, some individuals may have the base Cytosine, while others have Thymine. SNPs occur throughout the genome and are used as molecular markers to track inheritance and disease.
Q108. The branch of science that evolved alongside the Human Genome Project for storing, retrieving, and analyzing massive biological data is called:
Explanation
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that developed out of the necessity to handle the massive amounts of data produced by the Human Genome Project. It combines biology, computer science, and statistics to develop tools for storing, retrieving, and analyzing complex biological information. This field is now essential for modern genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, allowing researchers to analyze large-scale genetic datasets.
Q109. Identify the incorrect statement regarding human genome characteristics.
Explanation
Contrary to what might be expected, the function of more than 50% of the genes discovered during the Human Genome Project was unknown at the time of the projects completion. The other statements are correct: Chromosome 1 has the most genes, the Y chromosome has the fewest, and humans are over 99.9% genetically identical at the nucleotide level across all diverse populations.
Q110. Repeated sequences make up a large portion of the human genome. What is their primary role?
Explanation
Repetitive sequences, which do not code for proteins, make up a very large portion of the human genome. While they were once dismissed as junk DNA, research has shown that they play critical roles in maintaining chromosome structure, dynamics, and stability. They provide essential information for chromosome folding and organization within the nucleus and may also be involved in regulating gene expression.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (a) Flavr Savr Tomato |
| 102 | (b) 1990 |
| 103 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 104 | (a) Isolation of DNA - Fragmentation - Cloning into vectors - Sequencing - Computer-based assembly |
| 105 | (b) 20,000 - 25,000 |
| 106 | (a) Chromosome 1 |
| 107 | (b) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism |
| 108 | (b) Bioinformatics |
| 109 | (c) Over 50% of the discovered genes have known, specific functions. |
| 110 | (d) Contribution to understanding the chromosome structure |
Key facts from Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
- Adenine is a purine and pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds; the distance between consecutive base pairs in B-DNA is 0.34 nm.
- Chargaff’s rule says that adenine equals thymine and guanine equals cytosine; the human karyotype has 22 pairs of autosomes.
- Telomeres maintain genomic stability during DNA replication; heterochromatin is the condensed, inactive region.
- Humulin was the first commercially produced genetically engineered human hormone.
- Totipotency is the capacity of a single plant cell to regenerate a whole plant; the meristem is used to get virus-free plants.
- Richard Feynman’s 1959 lecture began nanotechnology; the Nagoya Protocol governs benefit sharing; the US patent on turmeric was revoked after a biopiracy battle.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology?
This page has 179 practice MCQs on Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How many hydrogen bonds pair adenine with thymine?
Two. Adenine pairs with thymine by two hydrogen bonds, and guanine pairs with cytosine by three, which is why DNA rich in G and C is more stable.
What is totipotency?
The capacity of a single plant cell to regenerate into an entire plant. It is the basis of plant tissue culture, in which cells grown on a nutrient medium form a callus and then shoots and roots.
Which protocol deals with sharing the benefits of genetic resources?
The Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity. It ensures that the benefits from using genetic resources are shared fairly with the countries and communities that provide them.