Selected MCQ

Current Question
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 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
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a technique used to:
  • A. Fragment DNA into smaller pieces
  • B. Visualize specific DNA or RNA sequences in cells or chromosomes using fluorescent probes
  • C. Measure protein concentration in solution
  • D. Separate DNA by size
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
FISH uses fluorescently labeled probes that hybridize to specific DNA sequences on chromosomes or cells, allowing localization under a fluorescence microscope.
Related Question 3
In Southern blotting, what type of probe is used to detect specific DNA sequences?
  • A. DNA probe labeled with a reporter
  • B. RNA probe labeled with a reporter
  • C. Protein probe labeled with antibody
  • D. Carbohydrate probe
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Southern blot uses a labeled single-stranded DNA (or RNA) probe complementary to the target DNA sequence, hybridizing to it on the membrane.
Related Question 4
The 5′ cap added to eukaryotic mRNAs is:
  • A. A string of adenine residues at the 5′ end
  • B. A modified guanosine (7-methylguanosine) linked 5′→5′
  • C. A poly-uridine sequence at the 3′ end
  • D. A phosphate group at the 5′ end
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The 5′ cap is a 7-methylguanosine joined via a 5′-to-5′ triphosphate linkage to the first nucleotide of the mRNA, protecting it from degradation and aiding translation.
Related Question 5
Which assay would you use to detect and quantify a specific DNA sequence in a sample?
  • A. ELISA
  • B. Southern blot
  • C. Western blot
  • D. Gram staining
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A Southern blot uses a DNA probe to hybridize with a specific DNA sequence immobilized on a membrane, allowing detection of that sequence in the sample.