$$1 \text{ error per } 10$$^{10}$$ \text{ nucleotides}$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A mutation at position 1691 in the F5 gene changes a guanine (G) to an adenine (A). What is the most likely consequence of this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The Factor V protein becomes overactive, leading to increased risk of blood clots.

Question 3

Which macromolecule is NOT a true polymer?

Accepted Answer

Lipid

Question 4

What is the monomer unit of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Question 5

Which chemical property characterizes lipids?

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic and nonpolar

Question 6

Suppose an herbicide deactivates starch synthase in a potato plant. What would be the most direct effect?

Accepted Answer

The plant would be unable to store carbohydrates as starch.

Question 7

Which of the following is a source of genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during meiosis

Question 8

What is the error rate of DNA replication in human cells?

Accepted Answer

$$1 	ext{ error per } 10$$^{10}$$ 	ext{ nucleotides}$$

Question 9

Which process directly increases the diversity of gene products from a single gene in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Alternative splicing

Question 10

Which of the following statements about gene expression is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Gene expression can be regulated by molecular mechanisms such as DNA methylation.

Question 11

Which of the following is a polymer composed of nucleotide monomers?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acid

Question 12

What is the function of hydrogen bonds in the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

They connect complementary nitrogenous bases between two strands.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why proteins were once considered a candidate for the molecular basis of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Proteins have greater structural diversity than DNA.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 15

What is the term for different versions of a gene found on homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Alleles

Question 16

Which process is responsible for converting the information in mRNA into a polypeptide?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of epigenetic inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Dutch Hunger Winter, where famine led to heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence changes.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Structure determines function; changes in structure can alter function.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about mutations?

Accepted Answer

Mutations are a source of genetic diversity in populations.

Foundations of Evolution, Heredity, and Biodiversity: Molecules, Cells, and Inheritance

Study Guide - Practice Questions