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Quizzes > Biological Sciences

Molec & Cellular Laboratory Quiz

Free Practice Quiz & Exam Preparation

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 15
Study OutcomesAdditional Reading
3D voxel art illustrating Molec and Cellular Laboratory course content

Get ready to sharpen your lab skills with our engaging practice quiz for the Molecular & Cellular Laboratory course. This quiz is designed to test and reinforce your understanding of fundamental molecular biology techniques, cellular experimentation protocols, and key laboratory skills, making it an ideal resource for students looking to boost their confidence and academic performance.

What is the primary purpose of gel electrophoresis in molecular biology experiments?
Separating DNA fragments based on size
Amplifying DNA segments
Digesting proteins
Visualizing cell structures
Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size, enabling the analysis of PCR products and restriction enzyme digests. This technique is a fundamental tool in molecular biology for assessing DNA fragment lengths.
Which practice is essential when using micropipettes to ensure accurate volume measurements?
Pre-wetting the pipette tip with the sample
Pipetting as quickly as possible
Using the wrong size tip for small volumes
Avoiding regular calibration checks
Pre-wetting the pipette tip helps saturate the inner surface, reducing errors caused by evaporation and sample retention. This technique improves both the accuracy and reproducibility of volume measurements.
Which equipment is primarily used to amplify a segment of DNA in molecular biology experiments?
Thermal cycler
Centrifuge
Spectrophotometer
Microscope
A thermal cycler is essential for PCR, as it controls the temperature cycles necessary for DNA denaturation, annealing, and extension. This apparatus enables the exponential amplification of specific DNA segments.
What is the primary function of a biosafety cabinet in a cell culture laboratory?
Providing a sterile environment to prevent contamination
Rapidly freezing samples
Enhancing microscopic imaging
Mixing reagents uniformly
Biosafety cabinets maintain a sterile work environment by filtering the air and preventing airborne contaminants. This is critical in cell culture laboratories to ensure that cell lines remain uncontaminated.
In a DNA extraction protocol, which reagent is typically used to break down cell membranes?
Detergent (e.g., SDS)
Ethanol
Acetone
Buffered saline
Detergents such as SDS disrupt the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, leading to cell lysis and the release of intracellular components like DNA. This step is crucial in DNA extraction procedures.
Which component is not added to the PCR reaction mixture?
Agarose gel
Template DNA
dNTPs
Taq polymerase
PCR reactions require template DNA, primers, dNTPs, buffer, and polymerase for successful amplification. Agarose gel is used post-PCR for the separation and visualization of DNA fragments, not within the reaction mixture itself.
Which control is specifically used in PCR experiments to detect contamination?
No template control
Positive control
Internal control
Loading control
The no template control (NTC) is run without any DNA template and is used to detect any contamination in the PCR reagents. A lack of amplification in the NTC confirms that the reagents are free of contaminant DNA.
In gel electrophoresis, which factor most significantly influences the migration rate of DNA fragments?
DNA fragment size
Agarose concentration
Electric voltage
Buffer ionic strength
The size of DNA fragments is the primary determinant of their migration rate through an agarose gel, with smaller fragments moving faster than larger ones. While agarose concentration and voltage can affect resolution, fragment size is the key factor.
What is the primary role of restriction enzymes in cloning procedures?
Cutting DNA at specific sequences
Amplifying DNA sequences
Ligation of DNA fragments
Staining DNA bands on gels
Restriction enzymes act as molecular scissors by cutting DNA at specific recognition sites, which is fundamental for generating fragments for cloning. This creates compatible ends that can be joined with vector DNA during ligation.
Which process directly involves the uptake of foreign DNA into a bacterial cell?
Transformation
Ligation
PCR amplification
Restriction digestion
Transformation is the process whereby bacterial cells take up foreign DNA from their environment. This step is critical in cloning experiments to introduce recombinant DNA into bacterial hosts for propagation.
Which practice is most effective in minimizing contamination during cell culture preparation?
Employing strict aseptic techniques
Agitating the cell suspension frequently
Overcrowding the culture
Using non-sterilized media
Strict aseptic techniques, including the use of sterilized equipment and a controlled environment, are essential in preventing microbial contamination in cell cultures. This careful handling preserves cell viability and experimental integrity.
In Western blotting, which antibody binds directly to the target protein?
Primary antibody
Secondary antibody
Blocking antibody
Housekeeping antibody
The primary antibody is designed to specifically recognize and bind to the target protein on the membrane. The secondary antibody, which binds to the primary antibody, is used for detection and signal amplification.
Which instrument is best suited for measuring the concentration of nucleic acids?
Spectrophotometer
pH meter
Centrifuge
Incubator
A spectrophotometer measures the absorbance of nucleic acids at 260 nm, which allows for accurate estimation of their concentration. This technique is a cornerstone in molecular biology for quantifying DNA and RNA.
What is a common reason for failure in PCR amplification?
Suboptimal annealing temperature preventing proper primer binding
Excessive number of PCR cycles
Using a freshly prepared template
Overloading the gel during analysis
Improper annealing temperatures can lead to inefficient or no binding of primers, resulting in failed amplification. Optimizing the annealing step is crucial to ensure that primers correctly bind to the target DNA.
Why is accurate pH adjustment crucial when preparing buffer solutions for experiments?
pH affects the activity and stability of biomolecules
pH ensures the complete dissolution of all salts
It solely alters the color of the solution
pH adjustment increases buffer conductivity significantly
The pH of a buffer is critical because many enzymatic reactions and biomolecular interactions are pH-dependent. Accurate pH adjustment ensures that the biochemical environment is optimal for the activity and stability of the molecules in solution.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand and explain basic laboratory techniques in molecular and cellular biology.
  2. Apply experimental protocols to conduct molecular and cellular assays effectively.
  3. Analyze experimental data to interpret results and validate techniques.
  4. Evaluate laboratory procedures and safety protocols in a practical setting.

Molec & Cellular Laboratory Additional Reading

Here are some top-notch resources to supercharge your molecular and cellular biology lab skills:

  1. MCB 151 Course Details Dive into the official course page for MCB 151 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It offers a comprehensive overview, including prerequisites, credit information, and a downloadable syllabus to keep you on track.
  2. Molecular Biology Laboratory Equipment Guide This resource from the University of Hawaii provides an in-depth look at essential lab equipment and techniques. Learn about micropipettes, spectrophotometry, centrifugation, autoclaves, and various microscopes through tutorials, animations, and interactive activities.
  3. Academic Resources for Undergraduates The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology at UIUC offers a treasure trove of study strategies, tutoring services, and workshops. Enhance your learning experience with videos on effective studying, concept mapping, and more.
  4. MCB Course Notes Repository Access a vast collection of course notes, test prep materials, and lab reports for MCB courses at the University of Illinois. This student-driven platform is perfect for supplementing your studies and gaining different perspectives on course content.
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