BIOL 1400 – STUDY GUIDE #4
Chapter 10: Molecular Biology of the Gene
Key Topics: DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, mutations,
types of RNA, genetic code, protein synthesis.
Multiple Choice Questions (15)
1. The monomers of DNA are:
a) Amino acids
b) Nucleotides
c) Fatty acids
d) Monosaccharides
2. DNA replication is described as:
a) Conservative
b) Dispersive
c) Semi-conservative
d) Random
3. The enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix is:
a) Ligase
b) Helicase
c) Polymerase
d) Primase
4. Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome?
a) mRNA
b) tRNA
c) rRNA
d) snRNA
5. Transcription occurs in the:
a) Nucleus
b) Cytoplasm
c) Ribosome
d) Cell membrane
6. The enzyme responsible for building RNA during transcription is:
a) DNA polymerase
b) RNA polymerase
c) Helicase
d) Telomerase
7. The three-base code on mRNA is called a:
a) Anticodon
b) Promoter
c) Codon
d) Exon
8. Translation occurs in the:
a) Golgi
b) Ribosome
c) Nucleus
d) Mitochondria
9. A mutation that changes one amino acid is a:
a) Silent mutation
b) Missense mutation
c) Nonsense mutation
d) Frameshift mutation
10. The “start codon” for translation is:
a) UAG
b) AUG
c) UAA
d) GGU
11. rRNA is a major component of the:
a) Ribosome
b) Nucleus
c) Lysosome
d) ER
12. DNA replication requires the enzyme DNA ligase to:
a) Break hydrogen bonds
b) Seal gaps in the sugar-phosphate backbone
c) Add RNA primers
d) Proofread nucleotides
13. The central dogma of molecular biology describes:
a) DNA → RNA → Protein
b) Protein → DNA → RNA
c) RNA → DNA → Protein
d) Protein → RNA → DNA
14. Introns are:
a) Coding regions
b) Non-coding regions
c) Amino acids
d) Ribosomal sites
15. The anticodon is found on:
a) mRNA
b) rRNA
c) tRNA
d) DNA
Fill-in-the-Blank (15)
1. DNA consists of two strands held together by hydrogen bonds.
2. The backbone of DNA is made of sugar and phosphate groups.
3. The enzyme that adds new nucleotides during replication is DNA
polymerase.
4. The central dogma states DNA → RNA → Protein.
5. The site where transcription begins is called the promoter.
6. mRNA is processed by removing introns.
7. Each tRNA has a specific anticodon.
8. Translation converts mRNA into a polypeptide.
9. A change in DNA sequence is called a mutation.
10. A codon consists of three nucleotides.
11. The ribosome has two main subunits called the large and small
subunits.
12. A premature stop codon results from a nonsense mutation.
13. DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
14. RNA polymerase binds at the promoter region.
15. The final product of translation is a protein.
True/False (15)
1. True / False: DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm.
2. True / False: RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.
3. True / False: A frameshift mutation is usually more harmful than a point
mutation.
4. True / False: Translation occurs in the nucleus.
5. True / False: DNA polymerase has proofreading ability.
6. True / False: All codons specify amino acids.
7. True / False: Transcription produces mRNA.
8. True / False: Introns are removed before mRNA leaves the nucleus.
9. True / False: Helicase helps unwind DNA.
10. True / False: Ribosomes read mRNA codons three bases at a time.
11. True / False: tRNA molecules carry amino acids.
12. True / False: A silent mutation changes the amino acid sequence.
13. True / False: Exons are expressed regions of genes.
14. True / False: RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA in the 5’ to 3’
direction.
15. True / False: DNA and RNA contain identical sugars.
Essay Question
Prompt: Explain how the structure of DNA enables accurate replication and
how errors can lead to mutations. Include the roles of key enzymes.
Explanation:
DNA’s double-stranded structure, along with complementary base pairing,
ensures that each strand serves as a template for the other. During
replication, helicase separates the strands, DNA polymerase adds
complementary nucleotides, and ligase seals the sugar-phosphate backbone.
This system allows for high fidelity replication. However, errors may occur
when the wrong nucleotide is incorporated or when DNA is damaged. If
polymerase fails to correct these errors, mutations may arise, altering
protein structure or gene expression.
Chapter 11: How Genes Are Controlled
Key Topics: Gene regulation, operons, transcription factors, epigenetics, RNA
interference, chromatin structure, signal transduction.
Multiple Choice Questions (15)
1. A gene that is always “on” and expressed is called:
a) Inducible
b) Repressible
c) Constitutive
d) Silenced
2. The lac operon is an example of:
a) Positive control
b) Negative control
c) RNA processing
d) Epigenetic activation
3. The molecule that binds the operator of an operon is the:
a) RNA polymerase
b) Repressor
c) Activator
d) Promoter
4. DNA wrapped around histone proteins forms:
a) Chromatin
b) Exons
c) Codons
d) Ribosomes
5. Adding methyl groups to DNA:
a) Activates transcription
b) Silences genes
c) Leads to mutations
d) Stabilizes proteins
6. Enhancers function by binding:
a) Repressors
b) Activator proteins
c) tRNA
d) RNA polymerase
7. Alternative RNA splicing allows:
a) Chromosome replication
b) One gene to produce multiple proteins
c) Faster ribosome assembly
d) DNA repair
8. RNA interference involves:
a) Breaking DNA strands
b) Silencing mRNA
c) Activating translation
d) Enhancing transcription
9. In prokaryotes, gene regulation primarily occurs at the:
a) Translation level
b) Transcription level
c) RNA modification level
d) Signal receptor level
10. A transcription factor is a:
a) Protein that binds DNA to regulate transcription
b) tRNA molecule
c) Carbohydrate
d) Membrane protein
11. The trp operon is turned off when:
a) Tryptophan is absent
b) Tryptophan is abundant
c) RNA polymerase is active
d) The promoter is deleted
12. Chromatin that is tightly packed and not expressed is called:
a) Euchromatin
b) Heterochromatin
c) Exon splicing
d) Polygenic
13. A signal transduction pathway allows cells to:
a) Mutate DNA
b) Communicate and regulate genes
c) Divide rapidly
d) Replicate mRNA
14. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate genes by:
a) Binding enhancers
b) Blocking translation of mRNAs
c) Activating ribosomes
d) Removing introns
15. In eukaryotes, gene expression is most tightly controlled at:
a) mRNA transport
b) Transcription initiation
c) Protein folding
d) DNA replication
Fill-in-the-Blank (15)
1. The lac operon is activated only when lactose is present.
2. The DNA region where RNA polymerase binds is the promoter.
3. Repressors block transcription by binding the operator.
4. DNA methylation tends to silence genes.
5. Transcription factors regulate gene expression in eukaryotes.
6. Euchromatin is loosely packed and transcriptionally active.
7. RNA interference uses small RNA molecules to silence genes.
8. Alternative splicing creates multiple proteins from one gene.
9. The trp operon is a repressible operon.
10. Enhancers increase transcription when bound by activators.
11. Gene expression in prokaryotes is regulated mainly at
transcription.
12. Histones help organize DNA into chromatin.
13. MicroRNAs block translation of mRNA.
14. A signal transduction pathway begins with a signal molecule.
15. DNA acetylation typically activates transcription.
True/False (15)
1. True / False: Gene regulation allows cells to conserve energy.
2. True / False: Operons are found in eukaryotes.
3. True / False: DNA methylation can be inherited.
4. True / False: Alternative splicing decreases protein diversity.
5. True / False: Activator proteins increase transcription.
6. True / False: RNA interference destroys DNA.
7. True / False: Chromatin must loosen for transcription to begin.
8. True / False: Repressors prevent RNA polymerase from reading genes.
9. True / False: All cells in the body express all genes equally.
10. True / False: MicroRNAs help regulate gene expression.
11. True / False: The lac operon is normally “on.”
12. True / False: Transcription factors bind directly to DNA.
13. True / False: Signal transduction pathways coordinate gene
expression.
14. True / False: The trp operon is active when tryptophan is low.
15. True / False: Eukaryotic gene regulation is more complex than
prokaryotic regulation.
Essay Question
Prompt: Explain the major mechanisms eukaryotic cells use to regulate gene
expression, from DNA packing to translation.**
Explanation:
Eukaryotic cells regulate genes at multiple levels. DNA packaging plays an
initial role: tightly packed heterochromatin prevents transcription, while
acetylation loosens chromatin and increases accessibility. Transcription
factors control which genes are transcribed, often working with enhancers
and silencers. After transcription, alternative RNA splicing expands protein
diversity. mRNA stability and RNA interference determine how long an mRNA
remains available for translation. Finally, translation and protein activation
are also regulated, ensuring that proteins are produced only when needed.
Chapter 12: DNA Technology and Genomics
Key Topics: PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, CRISPR, recombinant DNA,
sequencing, GMOs, stem cells, gene therapy.
Multiple Choice Questions (15)
1. PCR is used to:
a) Cut DNA
b) Separate proteins
c) Amplify DNA
d) Insert genes
2. The enzyme used to “cut” DNA at specific sequences is:
a) Helicase
b) RNA polymerase
c) Restriction enzyme
d) Ligase
3. Gel electrophoresis separates DNA based on:
a) Shape
b) Charge and size
c) Color
d) Location in the genome
4. Recombinant DNA is formed by combining DNA from:
a) Only bacteria
b) Two different sources
c) One source only
d) RNA viruses
5. The CRISPR system uses:
a) tRNA
b) Guide RNA and Cas9
c) Ribosomes
d) Ligase
6. A DNA fragment that travels farther in gel electrophoresis is:
a) Larger
b) Smaller
c) More charged
d) Damaged
7. Plasmids are used as:
a) Enzymes
b) Vectors
c) Proteins
d) mRNA
8. GMOs are organisms that:
a) Mutate spontaneously
b) Were artificially selected
c) Contain altered genes
d) Produce antibiotics
9. DNA sequencing determines:
a) Amino acid order
b) Gene regulation
c) The order of nucleotides
d) Protein shape
10. A clone is an organism that is:
a) Genetically identical to another
b) Genetically engineered
c) Viral infected
d) Haploid
11. The Human Genome Project aimed to map:
a) All human traits
b) All proteins
c) All base pairs in human DNA
d) All diseases
12. Stem cells are useful because they:
a) Always cause cancer
b) Are specialized
c) Can differentiate into many cell types
d) Produce antibodies
13. DNA ligase is used to:
a) Join DNA fragments
b) Cut DNA
c) Transcribe DNA
d) Amplify DNA
14. Gene therapy involves:
a) Adding functional genes
b) Removing organs
c) Changing phenotypes through diet
d) Growing bacteria
15. Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are used in:
a) Respiration
b) DNA fingerprinting
c) Translation
d) Photosynthesis
Fill-in-the-Blank (15)
1. PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction.
2. Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences.
3. Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size.
4. A plasmid is a circular DNA vector used in genetic engineering.
5. CRISPR requires Cas9 and guide RNA.
6. Recombinant DNA contains DNA from two different organisms.
7. STR analysis is used in forensics.
8. DNA ligase helps join fragments of DNA.
9. GMOs contain modified genes.
10. The Human Genome Project mapped all human genes.
11. Stem cells can differentiate into many cell types.
12. PCR uses repeated cycles of heating and cooling.
13. DNA fingerprinting examines variable regions in DNA.
14. Gene therapy attempts to correct genetic disorders.
15. The goal of genomics is to study entire genomes.
True/False (15)
1. True / False: PCR creates millions of DNA copies.
2. True / False: Restriction enzymes create blunt or sticky ends.
3. True / False: Gel electrophoresis can separate proteins and DNA.
4. True / False: Larger DNA fragments move faster through the gel.
5. True / False: CRISPR can precisely edit genomes.
6. True / False: Plasmids are naturally found in bacteria.
7. True / False: DNA ligase repairs breaks in DNA.
8. True / False: Genetically modified crops can resist pests.
9. True / False: STRs vary greatly between individuals.
10. True / False: All cloning results in identical organisms.
11. True / False: Gene therapy can use viral vectors.
12. True / False: Sequencing reveals the order of nucleotides.
13. True / False: Stem cells are fully specialized cells.
14. True / False: Recombinant DNA technology requires restriction
enzymes.
15. True / False: Genomics studies single genes only.
Essay Question
Prompt: Describe the major tools used in DNA technology—including PCR, gel
electrophoresis, restriction enzymes, and CRISPR—and explain how each
contributes to modern genetics.
Explanation:
PCR allows scientists to amplify tiny amounts of DNA into millions of copies.
Gel electrophoresis separates fragments by size, enabling visualization of
DNA differences. Restriction enzymes cut DNA at precise sequences and
allow insertion of new genes using ligase. CRISPR provides targeted gene
editing using guide RNA and Cas9. Together, these tools revolutionize
research, medicine, forensics, agriculture, and biotechnology by enabling
manipulation and analysis of genetic material with precision.