Question 1

Which experiment provided the first strong evidence that DNA, and not protein, is the hereditary material in cells?

Accepted Answer

Hershey & Chase experiment

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.

Question 3

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing new DNA by adding nucleotides to the 3' end?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 4

A mutation that changes a codon for an amino acid into a stop codon is called:

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 5

Which base pairing is correct in DNA?

Accepted Answer

A pairs with T, G pairs with C

Question 6

What is the function of restriction enzymes in molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for gene cloning.

Question 7

Which process involves the conversion of DNA information into RNA?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 8

A scientist wants to amplify a specific DNA segment exponentially for analysis. Which technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world application of CRISPR technology?

Accepted Answer

Editing genes to treat genetic diseases

Question 10

If a DNA strand has the sequence 5'-ATCGGTA-3', what is the complementary sequence?

Accepted Answer

$$3'-TAGCCAT-5'$$

Question 11

Which type of RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

Accepted Answer

tRNA (transfer RNA)

Question 12

A frameshift mutation is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Insertion or deletion of nucleotides not in multiples of three

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the Meselson-Stahl experiment?

Accepted Answer

It showed that DNA replication is semi-conservative.

Question 14

What is the role of DNA ligase in DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Joins Okazaki fragments and seals nicks in the DNA backbone

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of mismatch repair in cells?

Accepted Answer

Fixes base-base mismatches and small insertion/deletion loops left after DNA replication

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of a safety or ethical concern related to GMOs?

Accepted Answer

Long-term health effects and gene flow to wild species

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)?

Accepted Answer

A single base variation at a specific position among individuals

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a step in transcription?

Accepted Answer

Replication

Question 19

A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by a point mutation that changes an amino acid to another. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why carcinogens are considered mutagens?

Accepted Answer

They cause changes in DNA sequence that can lead to cancer.

General Biology: Molecular Genetics, DNA Structure, Replication, and Biotechnology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions