Molecular Genetics
When can DNA replication occur in a cell?
a) Only during mitosis
b) Only during meiosis
c) During both mitosis and meiosis
d) Only during interphase
c) During both mitosis and meiosis
When is the lac operon in E. coli activated?
a) When lactose is absent and glucose is present
b) When lactose is present and glucose is absent
c) When both lactose and glucose are present
d) When neither lactose nor glucose is present
b) When lactose is present and glucose is absent
Genetic inheritance is when:
a) Traits are acquired through environmental factors
b) Traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes
c) Individuals learn behaviours from their parents
d) None of the above
b) Traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes
When is a mutation considered beneficial?
a) When it leads to a disease
b) When it increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction
c) When it does not affect the organism
d) When it decreases genetic variation
b) When it increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction
How is CRISPR-Cas9 used in biotechnology?
a) To create identical copies of DNA
b) To edit specific genes in organisms
c) To sequence entire genomes
d) To study protein structures
b) To edit specific genes in organisms
What is DNA replication and when does it occur?
DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA. It occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, before cell division.
When is a gene considered to be "expressed"?
- When it is transcribed into mRNA
When is an individual considered homozygous for a trait?
When they have two identical Alleles, dominant or recessive (TT, tt)
How would a nonsense mutation affect a protein?
A nonsense mutation would affect a protein by introducing a premature stop codon that stops further translation.
How can gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 contribute to medical research?
Gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 can contribute to medical research by allowing scientists to create precise genetic modifications in model organisms, study the function of specific genes, and develop potential treatments for genetic disorders and diseases.
Why would a cell regulate gene expression?
a) To prevent DNA replication
b) To maintain a constant cell size
c) To respond to changing environmental conditions
d) To increase the number of mutations
c) To respond to changing environmental conditions
Who will bind to the promoter region to initiate transcription in eukaryotic cells?
a) Ribosomes
b) RNA polymerase
c) DNA polymerase
d) tRNA
Answer: b) RNA polymerase
What might happen if a person inherits two dominant alleles for a trait?
a) They will exhibit the dominant phenotype
b) They will exhibit the recessive phenotype
c) They will be a carrier for the recessive trait
d) They will not exhibit any phenotype
a) They will exhibit the dominant phenotype
Who will most likely be affected by a harmful recessive mutation?
a) Only individuals with one copy of the recessive allele
b) Only individuals with two copies of the recessive allele
c) Only males
d) Only females
b) Only individuals with two copies of the recessive allele
Why might genetic engineering raise ethical concerns?
a) Due to its potential to improve crop yields
b) Due to its use in medical research
c) Due to potential environmental impacts
d) Due to concerns about altering natural organisms
d) Due to concerns about altering natural organisms
Who would benefit from understanding molecular genetics principles in the medical field?
Medical researchers, doctors, and genetic counsellors would benefit from understanding molecular genetics principles to diagnose, treat, and prevent genetic disorders, as well as to develop personalized medicine approaches.
Where will RNA polymerase bind during the initiation of transcription?
RNA polymerase will bind to the promoter region of a gene during the initiation of transcription.
Where might you find evidence of codominance? Give a specific example.
- Blood type (AB)
- Calico Cats
Why might genetic variation be critical for a population's survival?
Genetic variation might be critical for a population's survival because it provides the raw material for natural selection, enabling adaptation to changing environments and increasing disease resilience.
What would be the potential benefits of using genetically modified bacteria in bioremediation?
Genetically modified bacteria could be used in bioremediation to degrade pollutants or clean up environmental contaminants, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management and pollution control.
When will DNA replication occur during the cell cycle, and why is it essential?
DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. This process is essential for growth, repair, and the transmission of genetic information to offspring.
When will RNA polymerase begin transcription of a gene?
RNA polymerase will begin transcription of a gene once it binds to the promoter region and receives the appropriate signals from transcription factors and other regulatory proteins.
How would an autosomal dominant disorder typically be inherited?
a) Only from the mother
b) Only from the father
c) From either parent, if at least one has the disorder
d) Only if both parents have the disorder
c) From either parent, if at least one has the disorder
When would a deletion mutation result in a loss of genetic information?
A deletion mutation would result in a loss of genetic information when it removes one or more nucleotides from the DNA sequence, leading to a shorter or incomplete gene or chromosome.
When would gene editing technologies be used to modify the DNA of human embryos?
Gene editing technologies might be used to modify the DNA of human embryos in cases where there is a high risk of passing on genetic diseases to future generations, to prevent the transmission of hereditary disorders.