Lesson 3.8.4.1.1

3.8.4.1.1 Recombinant DNA and transformation of host cells Quiz: AQA Biology, Unit 8

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.8.4.1.1, Recombinant DNA and transformation of host cells: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA Biology (7402), Unit 8: The control of gene expression, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What does recombinant DNA technology involve transferring between organisms?

    • Transfer RNA
    • Whole nuclei
    • DNA fragments
    • Intact chromosomes

  2. Why can transferred DNA be translated by a different recipient species?

    • Universal genetic code
    • Overlapping genetic code
    • Degenerate genetic code
    • Non-overlapping genetic code

  3. Which enzyme converts mRNA into complementary DNA (cDNA)?

    • RNA polymerase
    • Reverse transcriptase
    • DNA polymerase
    • Restriction endonuclease

  4. What is the main function of restriction endonucleases in recombinant DNA technology?

    • Replicating DNA fragments
    • Synthesising mRNA
    • Cutting DNA fragments
    • Joining DNA fragments

  5. What does a gene machine synthesise directly without requiring a DNA template?

    • Messenger RNA strands
    • Whole chromosomes
    • Recombinant plasmids
    • Custom DNA fragments

  6. What is added to a DNA fragment to ensure host RNA polymerase can transcribe it?

    • Promoter region
    • Poly-A tail
    • Marker gene
    • Restriction site

  7. Which enzyme joins DNA fragments into a vector?

    • Restriction endonuclease
    • Ligase
    • Reverse transcriptase
    • Helicase

  8. Which feature of the genetic code allows bacteria to produce human proteins from human genes?

    • Degenerate nature
    • Triplet nature
    • Non-overlapping nature
    • Universal nature

  9. Why is complementary DNA (cDNA) preferred over eukaryotic genomic DNA when transforming bacteria?

    • cDNA is double-stranded
    • cDNA includes promoters
    • cDNA lacks introns
    • cDNA lacks exons

  10. What is the purpose of using marker genes in recombinant DNA technology?

    • Cutting plasmid vectors
    • Transcribing target genes
    • Joining sticky ends
    • Identifying transformed cells

  11. What is the primary function of a vector in genetic engineering?

    • Synthesising amino acids
    • Transporting DNA fragments
    • Denaturing target DNA
    • Splicing pre-mRNA

  12. In recombinant DNA technology, what does transformation refer to?

    • Cellular protein synthesis
    • Plasmid enzyme digestion
    • Gene machine synthesis
    • Uptake of DNA

  13. Which enzyme is used alongside restriction enzymes to seal DNA fragments into plasmid vectors?

    • RNA polymerase
    • DNA ligase
    • DNA polymerase
    • Reverse transcriptase

  14. Which method creates a DNA fragment without requiring a pre-existing DNA template?

    • Restriction endonucleases
    • Gene machine
    • Polymerase chain reaction
    • Reverse transcriptase

  15. What is a major economic concern regarding agricultural companies patenting genetically modified seeds?

    • Decreased crop yield
    • Depleted soil nutrients
    • Higher fertiliser usage
    • Farmer seed dependence

  16. What is a primary environmental concern associated with planting herbicide-resistant genetically modified crops?

    • Reduced vitamin content
    • Superweed creation
    • Increased seed cost
    • Decreased crop yield

  17. What is introduced into a patient's cells during gene therapy?

    • Functional gene
    • Faulty allele
    • DNA probe
    • Restriction enzyme

  18. Put these steps in the most likely order: 1 cut the gene fragment with restriction enzyme, 2 join it into a plasmid vector, 3 transform host bacteria, 4 select GM cells using a marker. Which sequence is correct?

    • 1, 2, 3, 4
    • 4, 1, 2, 3
    • 2, 1, 3, 4
    • 1, 3, 2, 4

  19. Which region of a vector allows RNA polymerase to bind for transcription?

    • Terminator sequence
    • Promoter region
    • Marker gene
    • Restriction site

  20. What is a major environmental concern regarding recombinant DNA crops?

    • Ozone layer depletion
    • Gene transfer to weeds
    • Increased soil salinity
    • Accelerated global warming

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