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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

At the critical drying point, there is no surface tension between ________________(a) gas and oil(b) gas and liquid(c) liquid and liquid(d) oil and liquidThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.This intriguing question originated from Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) gas and liquid

To explain: Critical drying point is the technique used to PREPARE samples for the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At this point the DENSITY of the liquid and the gas is equal and hence there is no surface TENSION between the two.

2.

In which of the following techniques, the DNA is labeled using complementary sequences and then analyzed using autoradiography?(a) Western blotting(b) Southern blotting(c) Isopycnic centrifugation(d) SpectrophotometryI got this question in exam.My query is from Nucleic-acid Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (b) Southern BLOTTING

Best explanation: Southern blotting is the technique where nucleic ACIDS are FIRST TRANSFERRED from gel to a nitrocellulose membrane. The membrane is then incubated in a solution of probes (complementary sequences) and then the bound sequences analyzed USING autoradiography.

3.

The process of introducing DNA into cells is called ____________________(a) blotting(b) conjugation(c) transfection(d) conductionThis question was posed to me in an internship interview.This question is from Techniques in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT choice is (C) transfection

Best explanation: The process of introducing DNA into cells without the aid of any cloning vector is termed as transfection. Calcium phosphate or DEAE-dextran can be used for the ADHERENCE of FOREIGN DNA to the surface of TARGET cells.
4.

Synchrotrons generate _____________________(a) Peptides(b) X rays(c) Infrared rays(d) CarcinogensThis question was addressed to me during an internship interview.Enquiry is from Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (b) X rays

The explanation is: Synchrotron is a HIGH energy cyclic-particle accelerator that PRODUCES X-rays as a by product. The highly focused X-ray beams generated are then used for creating diffraction patterns out of a protein crystal.

5.

Which is the main ingredient in the sample preparation of mass spectrometry?(a) papain(b) pepsin(c) vinculin(d) trypsinI had been asked this question in semester exam.The doubt is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) trypsin

Easiest EXPLANATION: Trypsin is used in a mass spectrometric ANALYSIS to digest proteins. After protein digestion, there is a fractionation step USING the LIQUID chromatographic procedures. After that the samples are ionized and made gaseous.

6.

In gel-filtration chromatography, the proteins ______________________(a) bind to the column(b) diffuse through the column(c) denature(d) vaporizeThis question was posed to me in an online quiz.My question is based upon Protein Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) diffuse through the column

For explanation I would SAY: The gel used for this technique used SMALL BEADS that are tightly packed in the column. This causes a small void to FORM between the beads. The proteins that are larger than the voids pass through or diffuse through the gel.

7.

Image formation in electron microscope is based on ___________________________(a) column length(b) electron number(c) differential scattering(d) specimen sizeThis question was posed to me in an online interview.The origin of the question is Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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8.

The resolution attainable with standard TEM is less than the theoretical value.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in my homework.I'm obligated to ask this question of Techniques topic in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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9.

Which of the following molecules can be analyzed using a northern blot?(a) RNA(b) Carbohydrates(c) Proteins(d) DNAThe question was asked in exam.This question is from Nucleic-acid Techniques topic in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (a) RNA

Easiest explanation: RNA molecules are analyzed using the northern blotting while DNA molecules can be analyzed using the SOUTHERN blotting. Western blotting is another TECHNIQUE in which ANTIBODIES are USED against proteins.

10.

Which of the following can not be used as a fixative?(a) formaldehyde(b) acetic acid(c) alcohol(d) vitamin B12The question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Techniques in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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11.

Nucleic acid hybridization is used to identify ________________________(a) RNAs(b) DNAs(c) Complementary base sequences(d) ProteinsI have been asked this question in exam.I'm obligated to ask this question of Nucleic-acid Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»
12.

Which technique is used to separate nucleic acids of size greater than 25 kb?(a) SDS-PAGE(b) Pulsed-field electrophoresis(c) 2D- gel electrophoresis(d) Isoelectric focusingI have been asked this question in an online quiz.The question is from Nucleic-acid Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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13.

Taq polymerase is a ________________________ polymerase.(a) heat-stable(b) buffering(c) denaturant(d) largeThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.I need to ask this question from Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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14.

Protein’s solubility depends on the relative balance between protein-solvent and protein-protein interactions.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in examination.My doubt stems from Protein Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Right option is (a) True

Explanation: Every PROTEIN has a DIFFERENT solubility and it is a relative balance between the protein-solvent and protein-protein INTERACTIONS. The former causes the protein to REMAIN in solution, and the latter causes it to AGGREGATE.

15.

When was the technique of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis developed?(a) 1955(b) 1965(c) 1975(d) 1985I got this question at a job interview.I want to ask this question from Techniques topic in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (c) 1975

The best I can explain: The technique of two-dimensional GEL electrophoresis was developed in 1975 by Patrick O’Farrell at the University of California, San FRANCISCO for fractionating proteins BASED on two different properties.
16.

Recombinant plasmids are added to a bacterial culture that has been pretreated with _________________ ions.(a) iodine(b) magnesium(c) calcium(d) ferricI had been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Asked question is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (c) calcium

The explanation: RECOMBINANT PLASMIDS are added to a BACTERIAL cell culture that is COMPETENT for taking up the plasmids from the medium. A culture can be made competent by treatment with calcium ions.

17.

The first recombinant DNA molecule was synthesized in the year ______________(a) 1962(b) 1972(c) 1982(d) 1992I got this question in homework.I'd like to ask this question from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) 1972

The best I can explain: The first RECOMBINANT DNA molecule was synthesized in the YEAR 1972 by Paul Berg, Herbert Boyer, Annie Chang, and Stanley Cohen of Stanford University and the University of CALIFORNIA, San Francisco.

18.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis uses ___________________ to separate proteins.(a) pressure difference(b) temperature difference(c) electric field(d) magnetic fieldThis question was posed to me during an interview.This intriguing question comes from Protein Techniques topic in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (C) electric field

Explanation: Polyacrylamide gel ELECTROPHORESIS (PAGE) is a powerful technique that uses electric field to separate out PROTEINS in a matrix. SMALL organic MOLECULES of acrylamide are cross-linked to form a molecular sieve through which the proteins travel.

19.

The yeast two-hybrid system is used for studying ________________________(a) protein-protein interactions(b) pressure changes(c) molecular size(d) differentiation patternThe question was asked in semester exam.This is a very interesting question from Protein Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) protein-protein interactions

Easy explanation: The yeast two-hybrid SYSTEM is used for STUDYING protein-protein interactions. It was developed in 1989 by STANLEY Fields and Ok-kyu SONG at the State University of New York in Stony Brook.

20.

The process of dedifferentiation in cell culture can give rise to ________________________(a) induced-pluripotent stem cells(b) carcinoma cells(c) single protoplasts(d) fused protoplastsI got this question during an interview for a job.Origin of the question is Techniques in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) induced-pluripotent stem cells

Explanation: Dedifferentiation is the process by which the differentiated cells reprogram and go back to their PRECURSOR COUNTERPARTS. The cells that are induced to undergo dedifferentiation are TERMED as induced pluripotent stem cells.
21.

A beta particle is equivalent to an electron.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in a job interview.I'd like to ask this question from Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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The correct answer is (a) True

To ELABORATE: By disintegration of an atom, an alpha particle, beta particle or a gamma RADIATION may be EMITTED. Beta-particle is equivalent to an electron while the gamma radiation is the EMISSION of photons.

22.

The resolving power of TEM is derived from _______________(a) electrons(b) specimens(c) power(d) ocular systemThis question was posed to me at a job interview.Asked question is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (a) ELECTRONS

The explanation is: The resolving power of a transmission electron MICROSCOPE is derived from the wave-like property of electrons that pass through the specimen. In SEM, the electrons reflect back from the specimen.
23.

Rhodamine is a ___________________(a) fluorochrome(b) antibody(c) stain(d) gel typeI got this question at a job interview.Origin of the question is Techniques topic in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Correct CHOICE is (a) fluorochrome

Best explanation: Fluorochromes or fluorophores absorb the INVISIBLE, ultraviolet radiation and release a PORTION of the energy in long, visible wavelengths. RHODAMINE and fluorescein are examples of fluorochromes.

24.

The resolution attained by a microscope is limited by _____________________(a) diffraction(b) refraction(c) reflection(d) retractionThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Asked question is from Techniques topic in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Correct CHOICE is (a) diffraction

To elaborate: The resolution attained by a MICROSCOPE is LIMITED by diffraction. DUE to diffraction, the light EMANATING from a sample can only be seen as a disk rather than a point of image.

25.

Which of the following can be used to clone DNA sequence of size larger than 25 kb?(a) Yeast artificial chromosome(b) SV40(c) Plasmid(d) BacteriophageThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.My question is from Techniques in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Right option is (a) Yeast artificial chromosome

The explanation is: For cloning DNA SEQUENCES of a size LARGER than 20 to 25 KB, the conventional vectors such as plasmids and BACTERIOPHAGES can not be used. For the cloning of large DNA fragments, the yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) may be used.

26.

Electron cryomicroscopy is used mainly for _______________(a) soluble proteins(b) non-soluble proteins(c) carbohydrates(d) lipidsThe question was posed to me in exam.My doubt stems from Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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The correct ANSWER is (b) non-soluble proteins

Explanation: Electron cryomicroscopy(also termed CryoTEM or cryo-EM). This technique is used mainly for non-soluble proteins and ORGANELLES such as RIBOSOMES. In this TECHNIQUES sample are studied at cryogenic temperatures.

27.

For a mass spectrometric analysis, the compounds are converted into ___________________(a) gaseous ions(b) soluble form(c) matrix(d) antibodyThe question was posed to me during an interview.Asked question is from Techniques topic in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) gaseous ions

For explanation I would say: For the mass spectrometric analysis of proteins, they are converted into positively-charged gaseous ions that are accelerated through a CURVED tube (under the INFLUENCE of a MAGNETIC FIELD) to a negatively-charged PLATE.

28.

In the liquid column chromatography, there are two phases namely ___________________ and ____________________(a) mobile, immobile(b) liquid, gel(c) viscous, non-viscous(d) flammable, inflammableThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.My question is from Protein Techniques in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) mobile, immobile

The explanation: In the liquid CHROMATOGRAPHY, there are two columns NAMELY the mobile PHASE and the immobile phase. The proteins bind to sites on the immobile (stationary phase) and pass through the COLUMN based on their affinity.

29.

Purification of a protein can be measured as an increase in _____________(a) temperature(b) pH value(c) specific activity(d) polarityI had been asked this question at a job interview.The origin of the question is Protein Techniques in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) specific activity

Easiest explanation: Purification of a PROTEIN can be MEASURED as an INCREASE in the specific activity of the protein. Specific activity is the RATIO of amount of that protein to the total amount of protein in that SAMPLE.

30.

The isotonic buffer solution prevents _________(a) change in pressure(b) change in temperature(c) change in pH(d) membrane ruptureThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.The origin of the question is Techniques in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (d) membrane RUPTURE

Explanation: Isotonic solutions have the same SOLUTE CONCENTRATION as inside the cell or ORGANELLE. This prevents the cell/organelle from osmotic pressure thus preventing lysis or rupture of membrane.

31.

Which of the following is radioactive?(a) hydrogen sulfide(b) vimentin(c) tritium(d) deuteriumThis question was addressed to me in final exam.I need to ask this question from Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Right option is (c) tritium

To elaborate: Depending on the number of NEUTRONS PRESENT, the hydrogen has THREE ISOTOPES. Deuterium and tritium are its isotopes, out of which tritium contains two neutrons and is RADIOACTIVE.

32.

Isotopes have the same number of protons.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me at a job interview.I'd like to ask this question from Techniques in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Right choice is (a) True

The EXPLANATION: The isotopes have same number of protons but DIFFERENT number of neutrons in their NUCLEUS. HYDROGEN has three isotopes depending on the number of neutrons – 0, 1 or 2.

33.

In SEM, the image is formed by the electrons that _________________(a) reflect back(b) ionize(c) undergo inversion(d) pass throughThis question was addressed to me in homework.My question is taken from Techniques in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Right CHOICE is (a) reflect back

To ELABORATE: Unlike in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in which image is formed when the ELECTRONS pass through the sample, in case of SCANNING electron microscope the electrons are reflected back and that leads to the FORMATION of an image.

34.

Glutaraldehyde is a ________________(a) metal(b) fixative(c) non-metal(d) atomic speciesI had been asked this question in quiz.The question is from Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) fixative

The explanation: Glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide are common fixatives used in the TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY for the fixation of biological specimens. They stain as well as keep the SECTIONED specimens in a state of similarity with the living counterpart.
35.

The Feulgen stain is used for staining ____________________(a) plasma membrane(b) chromosomes(c) phospholipids(d) mitochondriaThis question was addressed to me in an interview.Question is from Techniques in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (b) chromosomes

Explanation: The Feulgen stain was DISCOVERED by ROBERT Feulgen and is used to stain chromosomal material or DNA. For staining using the Feulgen stain, a prior HYDROLYSIS of the tissue in acid is required.

36.

Which of the following amino acid absorbs the light of 280 nm?(a) tyrosine(b) cysteine(c) leucine(d) valineI have been asked this question in an internship interview.I need to ask this question from Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) tyrosine

Explanation: Spectrophotometry is a TECHNIQUE used to MEASURE the protein content of a sample. Out of the 20 AMINO acids that make a protein, two amino acids – tyrosine and PHENYLALANINE absorb light of 280 nm.

37.

In gel electrophoresis, the globular proteins move slower than the fibrous proteins.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in quiz.The question is from Techniques in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Correct OPTION is (b) False

Easy explanation: In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a sieve of molecular MATRIX is formed through which the proteins migrate depending on their shape and size. The compact globular proteins move faster than the elongated FIBROUS proteins.

38.

HeLa cells are a cell line.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in an international level competition.Enquiry is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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The correct answer is (a) True

The explanation: If a HOMOGENOUS CELL culture has the ability to GROW indefinitely in vitro, it is termed a cell line. Cell lines would NEVER undergo apoptosis and senescence. HeLa is a cancerous cell line derived from humans and was the first line to be MAINTAINED.

39.

Osmium is a ___________________(a) non metal(b) heavy metal(c) alloy(d) light metalThis question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This key question is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Correct option is (b) HEAVY metal

The best EXPLANATION: Osmium is a heavy metal that reacts with fatty acids leading to the preservation of membranes. Osmium tetroxide is used as a fixative in transmission ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.

40.

During TEM, a vacuum is created inside the _________________________(a) room of operation(b) specimen(c) column(d) ocular systemThis question was addressed to me during a job interview.This intriguing question originated from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

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Correct choice is (c) column

The best explanation: To prevent the premature scattering of ELECTRONS by collision with the GAS MOLECULES, a vacuum is generated through which the electrons travel, in the column PRIOR to operation.

41.

Which of the following component of the light microscope illuminates the specimen by gathering diffuse rays from the light microscope?(a) light source(b) eyepiece(c) condenser lens(d) screwsI have been asked this question in my homework.I'm obligated to ask this question of Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) condenser lens

The EXPLANATION: The substage condenser lens gathers the diffuse rays from light source and illuminates the specimen by formation of a small cone of BRIGHT light. With the help of condenser lens very small parts of the specimen can be SEEN after magnification.
42.

Who developed the chemical techniques to synthesize polynucleotides?(a) Barbara McClintock(b) James Watson(c) Fredrick Sanger(d) H. Gobind KhoranaThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The query is from Techniques in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) H. Gobind Khorana

Explanation: H. Gobind Khorana DEVELOPED synthetic techniques to SYNTHESIZE polynucleotides in the early 1960s as an attempt to DECIPHER the genetic code. COMPLETE bacterial tyrosine t-RNA was transcribed following the AFOREMENTIONED attempts.

43.

Which of the following enzymes in bacteria are responsible for restricting the growth of viruses?(a) restriction endonuclease(b) topoisomerase(c) gyrase(d) proteaseThe question was asked in an international level competition.My question is taken from Techniques topic in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) restriction endonuclease

To ELABORATE: The ENZYMES responsible for restricting the GROWTH of viruses in the bacterial cells. Restriction endonucleases were discovered in 1970s and have been an important tool in recombinant DNA technology EVER since.

44.

Which of the following emitted particles consists of two protons?(a) alpha(b) beta(c) gamma(d) zetaThe question was asked by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My question comes from Techniques in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (a) alpha

Easy explanation: Three different types of EMISSIONS are POSSIBLE for an ATOM that is disintegrating. ONE type of particles that may be released is the alpha particle that consists of two protons and two neutrons (EQUIVALENT to the nucleus of a helium atom).

45.

In purification steps of nucleic-acids, phenol is used for _______________________(a) deproteinization(b) denaturation(c) lowering pH(d) lowering viscosityI got this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The origin of the question is Nucleic-acid Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (a) deproteinization

Easiest explanation: After the release of nuclear CONTENT of a cell, the next STEP is to free the nucleic acids from proteins and RNA. Phenol is used to deproteinize the SAMPLE; a mixture of phenol and chloroform may also be used.

46.

Which of the following is used to lyse the nucleus and release the DNA?(a) sodium dodecyl sulfate(b) ammonium sulfate(c) ferric phosphate(d) fluorineThe question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Question is from Nucleic-acid Techniques in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (a) sodium dodecyl SULFATE

Easiest EXPLANATION: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is an anionic detergent USED to lyse the nucleus and release their nuclear content. Release of DNA also increases the viscosity of the solution and SDS inhibits nuclease activity in the solution.
47.

The AFM uses a _______________ to scan the surface of a molecule.(a) X-ray film(b) Nanosized tip(c) Non-metal tip(d) NanodropI had been asked this question in final exam.This interesting question is from Techniques topic in section Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (B) Nanosized tip

The EXPLANATION: The atomic force MICROSCOPE (AFM) uses a nanosized tip that PROBES the surface of materials. Atomic force microscopy is a technique of importance in molecular biology and nanotechnology.

48.

Unstained specimens can be visualized using ________________(a) bright-field microscope(b) phase-contrast microscope(c) mass spectroscopy(d) spectrophotometerThis question was addressed to me in examination.I need to ask this question from Techniques topic in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (b) phase-contrast MICROSCOPE

Best explanation: Living CELLS are small unstained samples that impose difficulty in visualization USING bright-field microscope. The HIGHLY transparent samples can be SEEN using the phase-contrast microscope.

49.

Ocular lens forms a virtual image.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This intriguing question comes from Techniques in division Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) True

To explain I would say: The image formed by the OBJECTIVE lens is used by the ocular lens as a SECOND lens system. The ocular lens FORMS an enlarged and virtual image. The third lens system located in the front part of the eyes uses this virtual image to FORM a real image on the retina.

50.

Viral-mediated gene transfer is called _______________(a) conjugation(b) transduction(c) transformation(d) transversionThis question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My enquiry is from Techniques in chapter Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (b) transduction

To ELABORATE: Viral-mediated gene transfer is called transduction. In this PROCESS a non-replicating virus is allowed to infect a cell population which LEADS to the EXPRESSION of gene of INTEREST transiently.