IMO Practice Test — Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
6 Questions • 15 min • Olympiad level
15:00
Question 1 of 6
Producing human insulin in bacteria is valuable because the bacteria can:
Make large amounts of exactly human insulin cheaply
Make animal insulin only
Make no insulin
Cure all diseases
Explanation: Transgenic bacteria mass-produce true human insulin, safer and more plentiful than animal sources.
Question 2 of 6
Using the SAME restriction enzyme on both the gene and the plasmid is essential because it creates:
Matching (complementary) ends that ligase can join
Different sizes
Two host cells
More enzymes
Explanation: Identical cut sites give compatible ends, so the gene fits and ligase seals it into the vector.
Question 3 of 6
A marker gene on a plasmid is useful because it helps scientists:
Identify host cells that took up the recombinant DNA
Cut the DNA
Make biogas
Digest food
Explanation: The marker lets researchers select only the cells that successfully received the recombinant plasmid.
Question 4 of 6
Cloning the host cell in a bioreactor matters because each daughter cell:
Carries a copy of the gene and makes more product
Loses the gene
Becomes a plant
Stops dividing
Explanation: Every division copies the gene, so a large culture yields large amounts of the desired product.
Question 5 of 6
PCR is especially useful in diagnosing an infection early because it can detect a pathogen from:
Even a tiny amount of its DNA by amplifying it
Its colour only
Its smell
Nothing at all
Explanation: By multiplying minute traces of pathogen DNA, PCR enables detection long before large numbers build up.
Question 6 of 6
DNA ligase is aptly called molecular glue because, unlike restriction enzymes, it:
Joins DNA fragments rather than cutting them
Cuts DNA
Copies RNA
Makes proteins
Explanation: Restriction enzymes cut; ligase performs the opposite job of sealing fragments together.