The scientist who first successfully synthesized the gene for somatostatin (a hormone) in a bacterium, demonstrating the potential of recombinant DNA technology for producing human hormones, was: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The scientist who first successfully synthesized the gene for somatostatin (a hormone) in a bacterium, demonstrating the potential of recombinant DNA technology for producing human hormones, was:
A. Arthur Kornberg
B. Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen
C. Keiichi Itakura
D. Paul Berg
Answer: Option C
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
In 1977, Keiichi Itakura and his colleagues at the City of Hope National Medical Center, in collaboration with Herbert Boyer's lab, successfully synthesized the gene for somatostatin (a hypothalamic hormone) and inserted it into E. coli. The bacteria then produced the somatostatin protein. This was a landmark achievement, as it was the first time a synthetic human gene was expressed in a bacterium to produce a functional human hormone, paving the way for the commercial production of insulin and other therapeutics.

Discuss this Question (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!

Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
The pigment that is responsible for the green color of leaves is:
A. Xanthophyll
B. Anthocyanin
C. Carotene
D. Chlorophyll

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Chlorophyll a and b absorb red and blue light and reflect green, giving leaves their color. Carotenoids are yellow/orange, anthocyanins red/purple.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Which branch of biology deals with the study of heredity and variation?
A. Paleontology
B. Genetics
C. Embryology
D. Ecology

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Genetics is the science of heredity and variation, explaining how traits are passed from parents to offspring and why individuals differ. Ecology studies organisms and environment, embryology deals with development, paleontology with fossils. Gregor Mendel is the father of genetics. The term 'genetics' was coined by William Bateson.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
The technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in a sample is:
A. ELISA
B. Northern blotting
C. PCR
D. Southern blotting

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) uses enzyme-linked antibodies to detect and quantify specific antigens or antibodies in a sample. PCR amplifies DNA, Northern blotting detects RNA, Southern blotting DNA.

This question belongs to: Science Biology