$$\text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

Question 2

Why are deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) used instead of deoxynucleotide monophosphates (dNMPs) in DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

dNTPs provide the energy required for phosphodiester bond formation during DNA polymerization.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of nucleic acids in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Catalysis of metabolic reactions

Question 4

A mutation changes a DNA codon from GAA to GAG, but both code for glutamic acid. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Silent mutation

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why DNA is stored in the form of chromosomes in the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes keep DNA tightly wrapped around histones, saving space in the nucleus.

Question 6

Which of the following base pairs is stabilized by three hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Cytosine–Guanine

Question 7

What is the correct sequence of events in the flow of genetic information according to the central dogma?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{Protein}$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a purine base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine

Question 9

A nonsense mutation in the CFTR gene leads to which of the following diseases?

Accepted Answer

Cystic Fibrosis

Question 10

Which of the following statements about ATP is correct?

Accepted Answer

ATP stores energy in its phosphate bonds, which can be hydrolyzed to power cellular functions.

Question 11

During transcription, which base in RNA pairs with adenine in the DNA template?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a frameshift mutation?

Accepted Answer

An addition or removal of DNA nucleotide(s) that alters the reading frame of the gene

Question 13

Which of the following codons is the start codon for translation and what amino acid does it code for?

Accepted Answer

AUG, Methionine

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

Carries the correct amino acid to the ribosome and matches it to the mRNA codon

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why silent mutations often have no effect on protein function?

Accepted Answer

The genetic code is degenerate, so multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the structure of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group, a monosaccharide, and a nitrogen-containing base

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the antiparallel nature of DNA?

Accepted Answer

One strand runs 5’ to 3’ and the other runs 3’ to 5’.

Question 18

A missense mutation in the APP gene leads to the accumulation of which toxic protein fragment in early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease?

Accepted Answer

Amyloid beta peptide

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate the docking of tRNA to mRNA and catalyze peptide bond formation.

Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Genetic Implications

Study Guide - Practice Questions