Test on Genome Engineering

Question 1: When cloning whole bacterial genomes in yeast using homologous recombination, method B, which involves overlapping genome fragments and a vector with internal homology, is the most efficient method for obtaining correct assemblies.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: According to the study materials, method B yielded 'none correct' assemblies, whereas method D resulted in '6 of 65 correct' assemblies, making D more efficient than B. Additionally, method C was stated to be about 20-fold more efficient than method A for targeted insertion.

Question 2: Which statement accurately describes a characteristic or process related to the development of the JCVI-syn3.0 minimal genome?

A. JCVI-syn3.0 contains 195 genes dedicated to the expression of genome information.

B. The development of JCVI-syn3.0 involved three design-build-test cycles.

C. JCVI-syn3.0 has a larger genome size than JCVI-syn1.0 because nonessential genes were added.

D. 79 genes in JCVI-syn3.0 have a defined functional category.

Explanation: The study materials state that JCVI-syn3.0 has 473 genes, and of these, 195 genes are assigned to the functional group 'expression of genome information'. It also mentions 'Four design-build-test cycles produced JCVI-syn3.0', making the second option incorrect. JCVI-syn3.0 was created by 'Removal of nonessential genes' from JCVI-syn1.0, resulting in a smaller genome. Lastly, 79 genes in JCVI-syn3.0 have no assigned functional category, not a defined one.

Question 3: The yeast strain with 7.5 synthetic chromosomes described in the study materials was created primarily through applications of CRISPR-Cas genome editing.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials describe the yeast project as editing and synthesizing chromosomes in the laboratory and stitching together genetic code. While CRISPR-Cas is mentioned as a tool that makes genome editing faster and more efficient for various applications, the materials do not explicitly state that CRISPR-Cas was the primary method used to create the specific yeast strain with 7.5 synthetic chromosomes.

Question 4: Based on the study materials, which of the following statements accurately describes somatic gene therapy in humans?

A. It is a process that involves altering the genetic code of yeast cells for xenotransplantation.

B. It is a new application of genome editing, which can be performed either in vivo or ex vivo.

C. It is a form of intervention in the germ line to alter an ecosystem, made faster by CRISPR-Cas.

D. It focuses on stitching together extra chromosomes from edited bits of genetic code to create synthetic organisms.

Explanation: The study materials list 'Somatic gene therapy in humans (in vivo or ex vivo)' as a 'New application' of genome editing. The other options describe different applications or processes mentioned in the materials, but not accurately somatic gene therapy.

Question 5: All gene therapy trials on humans approved in 2017 targeted tumours.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Two thirds of the gene therapy trials on humans approved in 2017 targeted tumours, indicating that not all trials focused on this area.