This set of Marine Biotechnology Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Marine Bioprospecting”.
1. The catalytic capability of a _________________ brought about the emergence of silicon biotechnology.
a) marine demosponge
b) tunicate
c) carbonate shell
d) photosynthetic pigment
View Answer
Explanation: The catalytic capability of silicatein from the protein axial filament of a marine demosponge Tethya aurantia gave rise to the silicon biotechnology. This catalyst has the potential to be used in hydrolysis and poly-condensation of silicon alkoxides to produce silica.
2. Silicon is the second most abundant element in Earth’s crust.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: The second most abundant element in Earth’s crust is silicon, existing as silicon dioxide or as silicate compounds in minerals. Silicic acid (dissolved silicon) is prevalent in aqueous environments.
3. Which is not a producer of MAPs?
a) Mussels
b) Zebrafish
c) Barnacles
d) Sandcastle worms
View Answer
Explanation: Invertebrates and mostly such marine-fouling organisms as mussels, barnacles, and sandcastle worms produce mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs). Through the adhesives they experience continuous mechanical stress.
4. ______________ of silicon biominerals have been used for marine species identification.
a) Turbidity
b) Weight
c) Denaturation temperature
d) Morphology
View Answer
Explanation: Morphological characteristics of silicon biominerals have been used for such species identification as sponges, diatoms, and mollusks. Different species deposit silica in different ways.
5. The concentration of silicic acid in in World’s oceans is lower than its saturated concentration.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: The saturated concentration of silicic acid at pH 10 and room temperature is 1 mM. However in World’s oceans this concentration at any given time point is approximately 70 μM.
6. Diatoms biomineralize silica in their ____________________
a) nucleus
b) cell wall
c) protoplast
d) chloroplast
View Answer
Explanation: Diatoms are eukaryotic unicellular algae and photosynthetic organisms as well. Silicon is deposited in a species-species manner as intricate ornaments in the organic matrix of diatom cell walls.
7. Which of the following accelerates silica deposition in diatoms?
a) Silicic acid
b) Sodium sulphite
c) Soya peptone
d) Singulin
View Answer
Explanation: Singulin and silaffin are two organic molecules produced by such diatoms as Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. These are involved in and accelerate the silica deposion.
8. Silicateins are very similar to _________________
a) animal lysosomal proteases
b) plant lysosomal proteases
c) lymphocytes
d) leukocytes
View Answer
Explanation: Silicateins were first identified from the silica spicules in Tethya aurantia as protein constituents of the axial filaments. Upon cloning and subsequent sequence analysis high similarity between silicateins and human lysosomal proteases was observed.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Marine Biotechnology.
To practice all areas of Marine Biotechnology, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.
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