Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'nuclear architecture' and its relationship to gene expression?

Accepted Answer

The arrangement of chromosomes and regulatory elements within the nucleus, which influences which genes are accessible for transcription.

Question 2

Alternative RNA splicing allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins. Which of the following best explains how this is possible?

Accepted Answer

Different combinations of exons are joined together, producing various mRNA transcripts from the same gene.

Question 3

Where are the nucleotide sequences that affect the degradation of mRNA typically found?

Accepted Answer

In the untranslated regions (UTRs) at the 3' and 5' ends of the mRNA.

Question 4

Which of the following mechanisms can block the initiation of translation and thus turn off a gene?

Accepted Answer

Binding of regulatory proteins to the 5' UTR of mRNA, preventing ribosome attachment.

Question 5

What is the primary role of ubiquitin and proteasomes in a cell?

Accepted Answer

Ubiquitin tags proteins for degradation, and proteasomes break down these tagged proteins.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct step in the formation of a microRNA (miRNA)?

Accepted Answer

A precursor RNA is processed by enzymes to form a short, double-stranded RNA, which is then separated into single strands.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a way that microRNAs can turn off a gene?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter.

Question 8

What is the difference between determination and differentiation in cell development?

Accepted Answer

Determination commits a cell to a specific fate, while differentiation is the process by which the cell achieves its specialized function.

Question 9

How do cytoplasmic determinants influence gene expression in early embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

They are unevenly distributed in the egg and direct the fate of cells by regulating gene expression after fertilization.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of induction in embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

Signals from one group of cells influence the gene expression and fate of neighboring cells.

Question 11

In a microarray analysis comparing normal and cancer cells, what does a yellow spot indicate?

Accepted Answer

The gene is equally expressed in both normal and cancer cells.

Question 12

Which color on a microarray indicates a gene is highly expressed in cancer cells but not in normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Red

Question 13

What is the main difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?

Accepted Answer

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, while adult stem cells are typically multipotent.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process used to create Dolly the sheep?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus from an adult somatic cell was transferred into an enucleated egg cell, which was then implanted into a surrogate mother.

Question 15

Which step is NOT part of the process for creating human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells?

Accepted Answer

Transferring a somatic cell nucleus into an enucleated egg.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in a microarray analysis to compare gene expression between normal and cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Isolate mRNA, convert to cDNA with fluorescent labels, hybridize to microarray, scan for fluorescence.

Question 17

Which of the following best defines a stem cell?

Accepted Answer

A cell that can divide and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Question 18

A scientist wants to silence a gene in a human cell. Which of the following strategies could involve microRNAs?

Accepted Answer

Designing a microRNA that binds to the mRNA of the target gene, leading to its degradation or blocking its translation.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of alternative RNA splicing?

Accepted Answer

The production of different types of antibodies from a single immunoglobulin gene.

Gene Expression Regulation and Stem Cell Technology

Study Guide - Practice Questions