Selected MCQ

Current Question
SDS-PAGE separates proteins primarily based on:
  • A. Charge only
  • B. Size (molecular weight)
  • C. Hydrophobicity
  • D. Isoelectric point
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
SDS denatures proteins and coats them with a negative charge that is proportional to their length. In SDS-PAGE, proteins are separated by size; smaller proteins migrate faster.
Related Question 1
Which chromatography technique separates proteins primarily based on size using a gel matrix?
  • A. Ion-exchange chromatography
  • B. Gel filtration (size-exclusion) chromatography
  • C. Affinity chromatography
  • D. Reverse-phase chromatography
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Gel filtration chromatography (size-exclusion) separates proteins by size: larger molecules elute first because they enter fewer pores in the matrix, while smaller molecules elute later.
Related Question 2
Which plasmid-based technique is used to enrich and detect low-abundance mRNAs by reverse transcription into cDNA?
  • A. RFLP analysis
  • B. Northern blotting
  • C. RT-PCR (reverse-transcription PCR)
  • D. Affinity chromatography
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
RT-PCR involves reverse-transcribing RNA to cDNA and then amplifying specific sequences by PCR. It is very sensitive for detecting low-abundance transcripts.
Related Question 3
In flow cytometry, cells are labeled with fluorescent antibodies and passed in a stream through a laser. This technique primarily measures:
  • A. Cell size and internal complexity
  • B. DNA sequence variants
  • C. Protein structure by X-ray diffraction
  • D. Glycolytic activity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Flow cytometry measures light scattering (size and granularity) and fluorescence from labeled markers, allowing rapid analysis of cell populations (size, complexity, marker expression).
Related Question 4
In Western blotting, proteins are typically detected using:
  • A. DNA probes
  • B. RNA probes
  • C. Enzyme-linked antibodies
  • D. Radioactive amino acids
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Western blot uses antibodies (often enzyme-linked) that bind specific proteins on the membrane, allowing visualization via a colorimetric or chemiluminescent reaction.
Related Question 5
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is primarily used to:
  • A. Measure DNA concentration
  • B. Detect specific proteins or antibodies by an enzyme-mediated color change
  • C. Visualize chromosomes under a microscope
  • D. Amplify RNA
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
ELISA employs enzyme-linked antibodies. When the target antigen or antibody is present, a substrate is converted to a colored product, indicating a positive result.