Question 1

Which of the following best describes the genetic code in DNA?

Accepted Answer

It is a sequence of bases (A, T, C, G) where each triplet codes for one amino acid.

Question 2

During transcription, which DNA strand is used as the template for mRNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

The template strand

Question 3

What is the role of RNA polymerase during transcription?

Accepted Answer

It unwinds the DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand.

Question 4

Which process removes introns and splices exons together in mRNA before it leaves the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

RNA processing

Question 5

A mutation changes the DNA triplet from TAC to TGC. Using the genetic code, what amino acid will be coded by the new mRNA codon?

Accepted Answer

Serine

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

It carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches its anticodon to the mRNA codon.

Question 7

If a cell's plasma membrane is described as 'selectively permeable,' what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It restricts movement of some substances based on size, charge, shape, or lipid solubility.

Question 8

Which of the following is a passive process for moving substances across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion

Question 9

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solute than inside the cell. What process will occur and in which direction will water move?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis; water will move out of the cell

Question 10

Which equation best represents the concentration gradient ($$\Delta C) $$across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta C = C_{high} - C_{low}$$

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates gene activation?

Accepted Answer

A hormone enters the cell, binds to a receptor in the nucleus, and initiates transcription of a specific gene.

Question 12

During translation, what is the relationship between a codon and an anticodon?

Accepted Answer

The anticodon on tRNA is complementary to the codon on mRNA.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a factor that determines selective permeability of the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of the cell

Question 14

A patient has a genetic mutation that prevents removal of introns from mRNA. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The mRNA will contain noncoding sequences, leading to faulty or nonfunctional proteins.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Net movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration due to random motion.

Question 16

If the DNA coding strand reads 5'-TTA-3', what is the corresponding mRNA codon produced during transcription?

Accepted Answer

AAU

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Gene activation → Transcription → RNA processing → Translation

Question 18

A cell exposed to a toxin that inhibits ribosomal function will be unable to perform which process?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the triplet code in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Each triplet of DNA bases codes for a single amino acid.

Question 20

Which of the following equations correctly represents the net movement of molecules during diffusion?

Accepted Answer

$$J = -D \frac{dC}{dx}$$

Cell Nucleus, Protein Synthesis, and Membrane Transport: Key Concepts in Anatomy & Physiology

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