QBM EXAM 1 questions with verified answers
Define recombinant DNA technology Ans✓✓-Using molecular biology techniques
such as cloning, PCR, restriction enzymes digestion, and gel electrophoresis to
take a gene from one source joining it with another piece of DNA, creating a new
recombinant DNA molecule that can be inserted into bacteria (or other host) and
further studied.
Name three characteristics of DNA Double stranded Ans✓✓-5' -> 3' directionality
Antiparallel
Base pairing (AT, GC) via hydrogen bonding
What is the central dogma of molecular biology? Ans✓✓-Information is only
written in one direction
DNA encodes RNA (through transcription) which encodes protein (through
translation)
Describe an amino acid. What is meant when one says proteins are translated "N
to C"? Ans✓✓-An amino acid consists of an amino-terminus, an a-carbon with an
R group (variable, 20 total), and a carboxyl-terminus.
Proteins are synthesized by the ribosome "N to C" which means that the first of
amino acid (methionine) will have a free N-terminus, and its carboxyl group will
form a peptide bond with the amino groups of the next amino acid. The end of
the protein will have a free C-terminus.
Describe the four levels of protein structure Ans✓✓-Primary (amino acid
sequence)
Secondary (a-helices and B-pleated sheets) Tertiary (overall 3-dimensional folded
structure)
,Quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains interacting)
When viewing a DNA or protein structure, which of the following best represents
what it would look like if you could "see it"? Ans✓✓-Molecular surface (solve-
accessible surface)
Which branch of government oversees workplace safety? Ans✓✓-Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What is an MSDS and what type of information would it have? Ans✓✓-Material
Safety Data Sheet - it contains all of the information about a chemical (storage,
health warnings, safety measures, PPE< proper disposal,flammability, what to do
if contacted or swallowed, etc...)
The QBM and Microbiology labs at UCF are BSL _____. Ans✓✓-BSL-2
Rank the following in order of overall fit as well as most to least protection from
chemicals and pathogens: plastic gloves, no gloves, nitrile gloves, latex gloves.
Ans✓✓-Why are nitrile gloves often preferred to latex gloves?
Latex gloves offer the best fir and protection, followed by nitrile gloves, followed
by plastic gloves, and no gloves.
Nitrile gloves are often preferred because people with latex allergies can use
them.
Name three types of hazards you might see in a laboratory Ans✓✓-Biological,
chemical, mechanical
,True or False: Needles should be recapped and placed in the sharps container
Ans✓✓-False, needles should never be recapped as this can lead to an accidental
stick. They should always be discarded directly in a sharps container.
What tool would you use to measure and transfer each of the following volumes?
15 ul:
15 ml:
150 ml: Ans✓✓-15 ul: micropipette
15 ml: mechanical pipettor (Easypet) 150 ml: Graduated cylinder
True of False: When dispensing liquid from the micropipette you should push
down to the first stop. Ans✓✓-False: Pipettes should be dispensed by pushing
down to the second stop to fully expel any liquid remaining in the tip.
What is the difference between preparative and analytical centrifugation?
Ans✓✓-Preparative centrifugation is for the preparation of large amounts of
material (proteins for purification, bacteria for lysing). Analytical centrifugation
involves smaller sample amounts and allows one to determine sample purity,
molecular weight, equilibrium constant, thermodynamics, etc...
For a quick spindown you should use a ______. Ans✓✓-Small benchtop
centrifuge
Why are centrifuges usually refrigerated? Ans✓✓-To prevent protein
denaturation that can occur at room temperature
Which type of rotor is best for pelleting a sample? Ans✓✓-Fixed angle rotor
, Why aren't all centrifugation bottles clear? Ans✓✓-Clear bottles are less resistant
to chemicals and stress
What is the difference between spectroscopy and spectrometry? Ans✓✓-
Spectroscopy is the separation of light into its wavelengths
Spectrometry is the measurement of light as it interacts with matter such as DNA
and proteins
Why do researchers often choose to use colorimetry over spectrometry? Ans✓✓-
Colorimetry involves converting a sample (usually protein) into a colored
compound. This allows the measurement of the sample at other wavelengths
(such as 595 or 750) that won't be affected by DNA absorbance if the sample is
impure. These wavelengths also do not require special quartz or UV compatible
cuvettes.
Which part of the spectrophotometer selects light of a specific wavelength?
Ans✓✓-Monochromator
How does transmittance differ from absorbance? Ans✓✓-Transmittance is the
amount of light that passes through a sample
Absorbance is the amount of light absorbed by a sample
Transmittance and absorbance are related by Beer's Law
A sample has a transmittance of 70%, what is it's absorbance? Ans✓✓--log(0.7) =
0.155 absorbance
Define recombinant DNA technology Ans✓✓-Using molecular biology techniques
such as cloning, PCR, restriction enzymes digestion, and gel electrophoresis to
take a gene from one source joining it with another piece of DNA, creating a new
recombinant DNA molecule that can be inserted into bacteria (or other host) and
further studied.
Name three characteristics of DNA Double stranded Ans✓✓-5' -> 3' directionality
Antiparallel
Base pairing (AT, GC) via hydrogen bonding
What is the central dogma of molecular biology? Ans✓✓-Information is only
written in one direction
DNA encodes RNA (through transcription) which encodes protein (through
translation)
Describe an amino acid. What is meant when one says proteins are translated "N
to C"? Ans✓✓-An amino acid consists of an amino-terminus, an a-carbon with an
R group (variable, 20 total), and a carboxyl-terminus.
Proteins are synthesized by the ribosome "N to C" which means that the first of
amino acid (methionine) will have a free N-terminus, and its carboxyl group will
form a peptide bond with the amino groups of the next amino acid. The end of
the protein will have a free C-terminus.
Describe the four levels of protein structure Ans✓✓-Primary (amino acid
sequence)
Secondary (a-helices and B-pleated sheets) Tertiary (overall 3-dimensional folded
structure)
,Quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains interacting)
When viewing a DNA or protein structure, which of the following best represents
what it would look like if you could "see it"? Ans✓✓-Molecular surface (solve-
accessible surface)
Which branch of government oversees workplace safety? Ans✓✓-Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What is an MSDS and what type of information would it have? Ans✓✓-Material
Safety Data Sheet - it contains all of the information about a chemical (storage,
health warnings, safety measures, PPE< proper disposal,flammability, what to do
if contacted or swallowed, etc...)
The QBM and Microbiology labs at UCF are BSL _____. Ans✓✓-BSL-2
Rank the following in order of overall fit as well as most to least protection from
chemicals and pathogens: plastic gloves, no gloves, nitrile gloves, latex gloves.
Ans✓✓-Why are nitrile gloves often preferred to latex gloves?
Latex gloves offer the best fir and protection, followed by nitrile gloves, followed
by plastic gloves, and no gloves.
Nitrile gloves are often preferred because people with latex allergies can use
them.
Name three types of hazards you might see in a laboratory Ans✓✓-Biological,
chemical, mechanical
,True or False: Needles should be recapped and placed in the sharps container
Ans✓✓-False, needles should never be recapped as this can lead to an accidental
stick. They should always be discarded directly in a sharps container.
What tool would you use to measure and transfer each of the following volumes?
15 ul:
15 ml:
150 ml: Ans✓✓-15 ul: micropipette
15 ml: mechanical pipettor (Easypet) 150 ml: Graduated cylinder
True of False: When dispensing liquid from the micropipette you should push
down to the first stop. Ans✓✓-False: Pipettes should be dispensed by pushing
down to the second stop to fully expel any liquid remaining in the tip.
What is the difference between preparative and analytical centrifugation?
Ans✓✓-Preparative centrifugation is for the preparation of large amounts of
material (proteins for purification, bacteria for lysing). Analytical centrifugation
involves smaller sample amounts and allows one to determine sample purity,
molecular weight, equilibrium constant, thermodynamics, etc...
For a quick spindown you should use a ______. Ans✓✓-Small benchtop
centrifuge
Why are centrifuges usually refrigerated? Ans✓✓-To prevent protein
denaturation that can occur at room temperature
Which type of rotor is best for pelleting a sample? Ans✓✓-Fixed angle rotor
, Why aren't all centrifugation bottles clear? Ans✓✓-Clear bottles are less resistant
to chemicals and stress
What is the difference between spectroscopy and spectrometry? Ans✓✓-
Spectroscopy is the separation of light into its wavelengths
Spectrometry is the measurement of light as it interacts with matter such as DNA
and proteins
Why do researchers often choose to use colorimetry over spectrometry? Ans✓✓-
Colorimetry involves converting a sample (usually protein) into a colored
compound. This allows the measurement of the sample at other wavelengths
(such as 595 or 750) that won't be affected by DNA absorbance if the sample is
impure. These wavelengths also do not require special quartz or UV compatible
cuvettes.
Which part of the spectrophotometer selects light of a specific wavelength?
Ans✓✓-Monochromator
How does transmittance differ from absorbance? Ans✓✓-Transmittance is the
amount of light that passes through a sample
Absorbance is the amount of light absorbed by a sample
Transmittance and absorbance are related by Beer's Law
A sample has a transmittance of 70%, what is it's absorbance? Ans✓✓--log(0.7) =
0.155 absorbance
