PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction - Unsolved Practice Set
Chapter: Biotechnology Principles and Processes | Topic: PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCR - POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique primarily used to:
- Cut DNA at specific sites
- Amplify (make multiple copies of) a specific segment of DNA in vitro
- Separate DNA fragments by size
- Translate DNA into protein
Q2. The heat-stable enzyme commonly used in PCR to synthesise new DNA strands is:
- DNA ligase
- Taq polymerase
- Restriction endonuclease
- RNA polymerase
Q3. The first step of a PCR cycle, in which the double-stranded DNA template is separated into single strands by heating, is called:
- Annealing
- Denaturation
- Extension
- Elution
Q4. Short DNA sequences that bind to specific complementary regions of the template DNA and mark the start point for DNA synthesis in PCR are called:
- Primers
- Vectors
- Plasmids
- Restriction enzymes
Q5. PCR has important applications in fields such as:
- Disease diagnosis and forensic DNA analysis
- Only cooking and food preparation
- Only weather forecasting
- Only architecture and construction
Short Answer Questions
Q6. Define PCR, and briefly explain its main purpose.
Q7. Why is Taq polymerase, rather than a typical DNA polymerase, specifically used in PCR?
Q8. Name and briefly describe the three main steps that occur in a single PCR cycle.
Q9. Mention any two real-world applications of PCR technology.
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Describe the process of PCR in detail, explaining what happens during the denaturation, annealing, and extension steps of each cycle.
Q11. Discuss the importance and applications of PCR, explaining how this technique has impacted fields such as medical diagnosis and forensic science.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. Starting with a single copy of a target DNA sequence, calculate approximately how many copies of that sequence would be present after 5 complete cycles of PCR, assuming the amplification is fully efficient at each cycle.
Q13. A forensic laboratory receives an extremely small sample of DNA evidence from a crime scene, far too little for direct analysis. Explain how PCR could help the laboratory generate enough DNA from this tiny sample to carry out further testing, such as DNA fingerprinting.