Test Bank for
Introduction to Biotechnology, 4th Edition (Thieman, 2019),
Chapter 1-13 | All Chapters
,Chapter Title
1 The Biotechnology Century and Its Workforce
2 An Introduction to Genes and Genomes
3 Recombinant DNA Technology and Genomics
4 Proteins as Products
5 Microbial Biotechnology
6 Plant Biotechnology
7 Animal Biotechnology
8 DNA Fingerprinting and Forensic Analysis
9 Bioremediation
10 Aquatic Biotechnology
11 Medical Biotechnology
12 Biotechnology Regulations
13 Ethics and Biotechnology
,Chapter 1: The Biotechnology Century and Its Workforce
Multiple Choice Questions (25 Questions)
1. Which of the following is the most accurate definition of biotechnology?
a) The use of living organisms to make useful products
b) The study of genes and inheritance
c) The application of computers to biological data
d) The production of drugs from chemical synthesis
Answer: a) The use of living organisms to make useful products
Explanation: Biotechnology broadly involves using living organisms (or their parts) to
develop or manufacture products, improve plants/animals, or create microorganisms for
specific uses.
2. The discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 is credited to:
a) Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin
b) James Watson and Francis Crick
c) Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch
d) Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen
Answer: b) James Watson and Francis Crick
Explanation: Watson and Crick, using data from Rosalind Franklin, described the double
helix structure of DNA, which laid the foundation for modern molecular biotechnology.
3. Which ancient biotechnology practice involves using yeast to convert sugars into
alcohol?
, a) Selective breeding
b) Fermentation
c) Genetic engineering
d) Bioremediation
Answer: b) Fermentation
Explanation: Fermentation is one of the oldest forms of biotechnology, used for
thousands of years to produce bread, beer, wine, and cheese.
4. The first recombinant DNA molecule was created by:
a) Boyer and Cohen in 1973
b) Mullis in 1983
c) Fleming in 1928
d) Landsteiner in 1900
Answer: a) Boyer and Cohen in 1973
Explanation: Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen combined DNA from different
organisms, creating the first recombinant DNA molecule and launching the era of
genetic engineering.
5. Which technique, invented by Kary Mullis, allows rapid amplification of specific DNA
sequences?
a) Gel electrophoresis
b) DNA sequencing
c) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
d) Southern blotting