Biotechnology MCQ question and answer with solution | Biology Gk MCQs

The correct answer is Option D: DNA fingerprinting.

Let's understand why:

DNA fingerprinting is a very powerful and accurate technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns. Imagine every person having a unique 'genetic barcode' inside them. DNA fingerprinting helps to read this barcode.

For establishing paternity (finding out who the father of a child is), this technique works wonderfully because a child inherits exactly half of its genetic material (DNA) from its mother and the other half from its father. By comparing the child's unique DNA fingerprint with that of the potential father, scientists can determine if there's a match. If the child shares significant and specific DNA patterns with the alleged father, it confirms paternity.

Let's look at why the other options are not suitable:

Option A: Protein analysis
Proteins are essential building blocks of our body, but their types and quantities can vary greatly in a person due to many factors like diet, health, and environment. They do not provide a stable and unique genetic blueprint for individual identification or paternity determination in the same precise way DNA does.

Option B: Chromosome counting
This technique simply counts the number of chromosomes in a cell. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes. While important for detecting certain chromosomal disorders (like Down syndrome), it doesn't provide the detailed, unique genetic information needed to distinguish one individual from another or establish a genetic link like paternity.

Option C: Quantitative analysis of DNA
"Quantitative" means measuring the *amount*. This technique would tell us *how much* DNA is present in a sample. However, it does not reveal the specific sequence, pattern, or characteristics of the DNA itself, which are crucial for identifying individuals or establishing genetic relationships like paternity.

Therefore, DNA fingerprinting is the most reliable and widely accepted method for establishing the paternity of a child due to its ability to analyze unique genetic patterns that are inherited directly from parents.

A biochip, also known as a DNA chip or microarray, is a small solid surface used to analyze biological molecules.

Biochips are primarily designed to contain DNA sequences fixed onto their surface, which are used for gene expression analysis, mutation detection, and genetic screening.

These DNA probes hybridize with complementary nucleic acid sequences from a sample, allowing detection and analysis.

Although RNA or proteins may be analyzed indirectly, the basic and essential component present on a biochip is DNA.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B – DNA.

Knowing the arrangement of genes on a chromosome is like having a map of our DNA!
This helps us understand many things.
Option 1: Knowing the gene arrangement helps in understanding the pedigree (family history) of animals, like livestock. This is because genes are passed down from parents to offspring, so their arrangement helps trace lineage.
Option 2: While gene arrangement is important for understanding diseases, it doesn't explain all human diseases. Many diseases are complex and involve multiple genes and environmental factors.
Option 3: By knowing where specific genes are located, scientists can identify genes related to disease resistance. This allows them to develop breeds of animals that are less susceptible to certain diseases.
Therefore, options 1 and 3 are correct because understanding gene arrangement helps with animal breeding and disease resistance.
The correct answer is C (1 and 3).