Synthetic Biology Quiz

Take the quiz to test your Synbio IQ!

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1. Synthetic Biology is: *

a. The study and application of biological systems to robotics b. Involves the application of engineering principles to biology c. Biological systems run on advanced computer simulations d. Biological experiments performed by unlicensed individuals

2. Jay Keasling of the University of California, Berkeley, is using synthetic biology to coax what out of E. coli bacteria? *

a. Green chemicals b. An anti-malaria drug c. An alternative to high fructose corn syrup d. Stem cells

3. Developments in which of the following scientific fields has dramatically increased the potential for development of synthetic biology? *

a. DNA sequencing and synthesis b. Aeronautic c. Stem cell research d. Quantum Physics

4. Which argument is often raised by members of civil society to initiate a public reflection on the potential socio-economic implications of synthetic biology? *

a. “Playing God” b. Informed consent c. Personal data protection d. Creating artificial intelligence

5. How many teams are potentially taking part in the 2008 International Genetically Engineered Machine (IGEM) competition? *

iGEM is an international arena where student teams compete to design and assemble engineered machines using advanced genetic components and technologies.

a. 129 b. 84 c. 37 d. 678

6. Where did the last International Conference on Synthetic Biology (SB4.0) take place? *

a. Paris b. Dubai c. Hong-Kong d. Boston

7. What is the primary mission of the Biobricks Foundation? *

The BioBricks Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by engineers and scientists from MIT, Harvard, and UCSF with significant experience in both non-profit and commercial biotechnology research.

a. Building living houses b. Encouraging the responsible use of technologies based on standard DNA parts c. Developing regulatory innovation d. Creating a network of universities working on synthetic biology

8. Who was the author of the report “Extreme Genetic Engineering - An Introduction to Synthetic Biology” published in January 2007? *

a. Greenpeace b. ETC Group c. Gene Watch d. Friends of the Earth

9. Which of the following are likely near-term applications? *

a. Biofuels b. Coffee c. Artificial joints d. All of the above

10. Over the next five years, synthetic biology will probably lead to: *

a. T-rex being brought back to life through reconstructing fossilized DNA b. The creation of mutated platysternon megacephalum with a taste for pizza c. Re-programmed bacteria that make valuable chemicals d. Re-engineered spiders that give their bite-victims super-human powers

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