Question 1

During the initiation stage of transcription, which enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix at the promoter region?

Accepted Answer

Helicase

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the role of RNA polymerase during transcription?

Accepted Answer

It covalently bonds complementary RNA nucleotides to form mRNA.

Question 3

What is the correct sequence of events in the cell cycle leading up to mitosis?

Accepted Answer

G1 phase → S phase → G2 phase → M phase

Question 4

During translation, which site on the ribosome does the incoming tRNA carrying an amino acid first bind?

Accepted Answer

A site

Question 5

Which of the following statements about post-translational modification is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is necessary for proper folding and function of many proteins.

Question 6

A mutation causes a cell to ignore the G1 checkpoint and continue dividing despite DNA damage. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled cell division may occur, potentially leading to cancer.

Question 7

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the cell's equator?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 8

What is the main difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Accepted Answer

Malignant tumors can metastasize and invade other tissues, while benign tumors remain localized.

Question 9

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides to the RNA primer?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 10

Which of the following best explains semiconservative replication?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule consists of one old and one new strand.

Question 11

A cell is observed to have a cleavage furrow forming at its equator. Which process is this cell undergoing?

Accepted Answer

Cytokinesis

Question 12

Which of the following is a necessary extracellular signal for a cell to proceed through the cell cycle?

Accepted Answer

Presence of growth factors in the extracellular fluid

Question 13

If a cell fails to pass a checkpoint and cannot be repaired, what is the most likely fate of the cell?

Accepted Answer

It will undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

It carries specific amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the mRNA codon.

Question 15

Which stage of mitosis involves the reassembly of the nuclear envelope and the reappearance of the nucleolus?

Accepted Answer

Telophase

Question 16

A researcher observes that a protein is not functioning properly because it has not folded correctly. Which process likely failed?

Accepted Answer

Post-translational modification

Question 17

Which equation best represents the number of chromosomes in each daughter cell after mitosis in humans?

Accepted Answer

$$n = 46$$

Question 18

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA synthesis (replication) occur?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the process of translation termination?

Accepted Answer

It occurs when the ribosome reaches a stop codon and releases the polypeptide.

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Which property of the cancer cells allows them to invade other tissues?

Accepted Answer

Loss of anchorage dependence and high cellular density

Genetics and the Cell Cycle: Transcription, Translation, and Cell Division

Study Guide - Practice Questions