Question 1

Which of the following best explains why DNA migrates toward the positive electrode during gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains a constant negative charge due to its phosphate backbone.

Question 2

A scientist wants to make 100 mL of a 0.8% agarose gel solution. How many grams of agarose should be used?

$$	ext{Concentration} = \frac{	ext{mass}}{	ext{volume}} 	imes 100$$

Accepted Answer

0.8 grams

Question 3

Which of the following statements about restriction enzymes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes recognize specific palindromic DNA sequences.

Question 4

If a mutation changes a single base in a restriction site from GAATTC to GACTTC, what is the most likely outcome when EcoRI is added?

Accepted Answer

EcoRI will not recognize and cut the mutated site.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genes, alleles, and traits?

Accepted Answer

Alleles are different versions of genes that can result in different traits.

Question 6

Why is it important to use two different restriction enzymes in DNA fingerprinting experiments?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the chance that two unrelated individuals will have matching patterns.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA, and how many hydrogen bonds connect them?

Accepted Answer

Adenine–Thymine, 2 hydrogen bonds

Question 8

A student is preparing a 50 mL solution of 0.5% agarose for gel electrophoresis. How many grams of agarose are needed?

$$	ext{mass} = \frac{	ext{concentration} 	imes 	ext{volume}}{100}$$

Accepted Answer

0.25 grams

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why tightly packed DNA cannot be transcribed?

Accepted Answer

Transcription enzymes cannot access the DNA sequence.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world application of DNA fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

Solving criminal cases by matching DNA samples from crime scenes.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A right-handed, antiparallel, double helix

Question 12

Why is DNA considered an acid?

Accepted Answer

Its phosphate groups carry negative charges.

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of a mutation in a gene that does NOT affect a restriction enzyme recognition site?

Accepted Answer

The DNA fingerprinting pattern will remain unchanged.

Question 14

What is the main reason identical twins can become more different over time, despite having the same DNA sequence at birth?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic changes alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the 3’ hydroxyl group in DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where new nucleotides are added during DNA replication.

Question 16

A DNA sample is cut with EcoRI and HindIII. If a mutation removes an EcoRI site but not a HindIII site, what will happen to the DNA fingerprinting pattern?

Accepted Answer

The pattern for EcoRI will change, but the HindIII pattern will remain the same.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the inheritance of chromosomes in humans?

Accepted Answer

Humans inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, for a total of 46.

Question 18

Which of the following is a safety consideration when pouring agarose gel for electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

Allow the agarose to cool until you can briefly hold the container before pouring.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the mass/charge ratio of DNA is constant and useful for gel electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

The repeating phosphate backbone gives each fragment the same charge-to-mass ratio.

DNA Fingerprinting and the Molecular Basis of Inheritance

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