Which features make bacteria useful in biotechnology?
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: C
Bacteria are widely used in biotechnology due to several key features:
- Rapid reproduction (allows quick production of desired products)
- Simple genetic structure (easy to modify)
- Plasmids (can be engineered to carry foreign genes)
- Ability to produce human proteins (when genetically modified)
Option C correctly identifies these essential characteristics that make bacteria valuable in biotechnological applications, unlike the other options which either list irrelevant features or omit critical ones.
Why are bacteria used in biotechnology?
A) Bacteria reproduce rapidly.
B) Bacterial cells contain a nucleus.
C) Bacterial cells contain cytoplasm.
D) Bacterial cells do not produce complex molecules.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
Bacteria are widely used in biotechnology primarily because they reproduce rapidly (A), allowing for quick production of desired proteins or molecules. Their simple structure and ability to express foreign genes make them ideal for genetic modification.
Option B is incorrect because bacterial cells are prokaryotic and lack a nucleus. While C is true (they contain cytoplasm), it’s not their primary advantage. Option D is incorrect as bacteria can produce complex molecules like insulin. Thus, the correct answer is A (Bacteria reproduce rapidly).