Common Interview Questions for Future Genetic Engineers
Genetic engineering is not a new term to the world now. This branch of science can be described as the process of manipulating a living gene to produce a desired result. It is basically RNA technology (cloning), gene modification, gene cutting, tissue culture and reproduction. Genetics has a wide scope in terms of career. If you’re ready for a career interview in the genetics industry, you need to cover these hot topics. These are the general questions that some interviewers ask.
Describe Klinefelter syndrome?
It is a characteristic disorder in which the addition of an extra X sex chromosome (aneuploidy) occurs in an individual’s genetic makeup. Females have an XXX chromosome structure, while males include XXY. This extra chromosome results in a sexual deformity.
What do you understand by Parkinson’s disease?
It is briefly described as movement disorder. It results in deformity of the central nervous system and usually affects the mental ability, motor skills, speech, and other functions of the victim.
How can you define ‘fruit fly genetics’?
This field involves various techniques and experiments performed on the fruit fly, to understand the genetic pattern of the fruit fly (Drosophila). It is the best organism to carry out research, for genetic engineers.
Explain the concept behind athletic genes.
Genes that are reported to affect an individual’s athletic performance are called an athletic gene.
Explain gene doping.
The non-therapeutic use of genetic elements such as cells and genes, and the modulation of gene expression, in order to enhance a person’s sporting performance is gene doping.
How can genetic farming be advantageous for farmers?
Genetic farming is basically concerned with the development of genetically modified seeds, plants and fertilizers to produce more crops. It also implies the application of superior technology to improve the agricultural pattern. It simplifies the farming process resulting in increased profits.
Describe some potential harms from genetic engineering.
The development of unsafe chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides and various medicines, unintentional elevation of food toxicity levels due to the application of recent food preservation technology, environmental damage due to artificial reproduction, etc. are some of the visible negative effects of Genetics.
What are the characteristic features of stem cells?
Stem cells are immature embryonic cells found in the early stages of fetal development and characterized by the ability to renew themselves in the process of mitotic cell division. After division, they can differentiate into a diverse variety of cells; in short, they are totipotent cells.
What is sickle cell anemia?
In this genetic disorder, human red blood cells lose their characteristic biconvex shape and become distorted to form a sickle shape. This reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of these cells, creating a fatal condition for humans.
Including the questions mentioned above, you should focus on the basics of RNA technology. Therefore, these were the most frequently discussed topics. Good luck for your interview!