Question 1

Which experiment provided the first experimental evidence supporting the chemical evolution of life, and what was its key finding?

Accepted Answer

The Miller-Urey experiment; it demonstrated that simple molecules and energy can produce amino acids.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a gene, locus, and allele?

Accepted Answer

A gene is a region of DNA at a specific locus, and alleles are different versions of that gene.

Question 3

Which property of the genetic code allows for multiple codons to specify the same amino acid, and what is the biological significance of this?

Accepted Answer

Redundancy; it reduces the impact of point mutations on protein function.

Question 4

A mutation changes a codon from GAG (Glutamic acid) to GTG (Valine) in the hemoglobin gene. What type of mutation is this, and what is a possible consequence?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation; may alter protein function and cause disease such as sickle cell anemia.

Question 5

Which process during meiosis increases genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes.

Question 6

Alternative splicing of mRNA can result in:

Accepted Answer

Multiple different proteins being produced from the same gene.

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the ploidy change during meiosis in humans?

Accepted Answer

$2n \rightarrow n$

Question 8

What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis regarding the genetic identity of daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse haploid cells.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction can be advantageous in changing environments?

Accepted Answer

It generates genetic diversity through recombination, increasing the chance of survival under new conditions.

Question 10

A cell with 46 chromosomes undergoes mitosis. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after division?

Accepted Answer

$46$

Question 11

Which type of mutation is most likely to result in a nonfunctional protein due to a shift in the reading frame?

Accepted Answer

Frameshift mutation

Question 12

During transcription, which strand of DNA is used as the template for mRNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

The template strand

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of DNA in cells?

Accepted Answer

Catalyzing metabolic reactions

Question 14

What is the consequence of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes have an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to aneuploidy.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the structure of DNA is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA is composed of two antiparallel strands held together by complementary base pairing.

Question 16

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

S phase

Question 17

A mutation in a somatic cell will:

Accepted Answer

Affect only the individual and not be inherited by offspring.

Question 18

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.

Genetic Variation, DNA Structure, and the Origins of Life: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards