Molecular Biology Basics

Question 1

What would you expect to happen if primers were left out of your PCR reaction?

Accepted Answer

There would be no DNA amplification, and no banding

Question 2

What are the three basic steps of PCR?

Accepted Answer

Denaturation, Annealing, and Extension

Question 3

DNA Extraction: Which substance is used to break down the phospholipids from the cell membrane and nuclear membrane?

Accepted Answer

Lysis solution containing detergent and Proteinase K

Question 4

Why would different restriction enzymes generate different DNA fragments if they are all cutting the same DNA molecules?

Accepted Answer

Because each enzyme cuts at a specific sequence and DNA sequences vary

Question 5

What is DNA extraction used for?

Accepted Answer

To isolate DNA from a biological sample for various applications

Question 6

What size fragments (large or small) would you expect to move through the agarose gel matrix most quickly?

Accepted Answer

Small because they travel more easily through the pores

Question 7

PCR: What reagent in the PCR reaction makes it specific for one region rather than another?

Accepted Answer

Primers which are specific for a certain region

Question 8

Do DNA particles travel toward the positively or negatively charged electrodes when running the gel?

Accepted Answer

Positive electrode because DNA is negatively charged

Question 9

What is used to visualize the DNA banding after running the gel?

Accepted Answer

DNA-binding stain such as Ethidium bromide

Question 10

DNA Extraction: Which substance is used to cause the precipitation of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Questions 10