The process of 'Southern blotting' is a technique used in molecular biology to detect: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The process of 'Southern blotting' is a technique used in molecular biology to detect:
A. Lipids in a cell membrane
B. Specific proteins in a sample
C. Specific RNA sequences in a sample
D. Specific DNA sequences in a sample
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Southern blotting, named after its inventor Edwin Southern, is a laboratory method used to detect specific DNA sequences in a complex DNA sample. The process involves digesting DNA with restriction enzymes, separating the fragments by gel electrophoresis, transferring (blotting) them onto a nylon or nitrocellulose membrane, and then hybridizing the membrane with a labeled, complementary DNA or RNA probe. Northern blotting detects RNA, and Western blotting detects proteins.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
In genetics, the 'Spliceosome' is a large, complex molecular machine found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to:
A. Synthesize mRNA from a DNA template
B. Add the 5' cap and poly-A tail to mRNA
C. Remove introns from pre-mRNA and join the exons together to form mature mRNA
D. Translate mRNA into protein

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The spliceosome is a large, dynamic complex composed of five small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs, pronounced 'snurps') and numerous other protein factors. It assembles on the pre-mRNA transcript in the nucleus. Its primary function is to catalyze the splicing of pre-mRNA: it precisely recognizes the splice sites at the boundaries of introns and exons, removes the non-coding intron sequences, and ligates (joins) the coding exons together to form a continuous, mature mRNA molecule that can be exported to the cytoplasm for translation.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Identify the INCORRECT statement about the human skeleton:
A. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord.
B. The rib cage protects the heart and lungs.
C. The humerus is a bone of the leg.
D. The skull protects the brain.

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The humerus is the upper arm bone. The femur is the thigh bone. So C is incorrect.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
Consider statements about biotechnology: 1. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural plant genetic engineer. 2. Bt toxin is active in the acidic gut of insects. 3. RNAi is used to silence specific genes. Which are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium that naturally transfers a segment of its Ti plasmid into plant cells, making it a natural genetic engineer used to create transgenic plants. RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular defense mechanism used in biotechnology to silence specific mRNA molecules, preventing gene expression. Bt toxin is inactive in the insect gut until it encounters the alkaline pH, which solubilizes and activates it. Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

This question belongs to: Science Biology