Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a prediction about the outcome of an experiment, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by extensive evidence.

Question 2

During meiosis, when do cells first become haploid?

Accepted Answer

After homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis I

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of independent assortment?

Accepted Answer

The random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs during metaphase I of meiosis, leading to genetic variation in gametes

Question 4

A researcher is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The growth of the plants measured in height

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why sex-linked genes exhibit unique patterns of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Sex-linked genes are located on sex chromosomes, so their inheritance depends on the sex of the offspring.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a frameshift mutation?

Accepted Answer

A single base pair is deleted, altering the reading frame of the gene.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about crossing over during meiosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes, resulting in genetic recombination.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the Law of Segregation as defined by Mendel?

Accepted Answer

Alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation, so each gamete carries only one allele for each gene.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary roles that proteins play in physiology?

Accepted Answer

Storage of genetic information

Question 10

A woman who is heterozygous for a gene located on the X chromosome (X-linked) has children with a man who is not affected by the gene. What is the probability that their son will inherit the X-linked allele from his mother?

Accepted Answer

$$0.50$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A double helix with complementary base pairing: adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a missense mutation?

Accepted Answer

A codon is changed from GAA to GAC, resulting in a different amino acid.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why genes that are physically close together on a chromosome tend to be inherited together?

Accepted Answer

They are less likely to be separated by crossing over due to linkage disequilibrium.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of random fertilization contributing to genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

The random combination of one of millions of possible sperm with one of millions of possible eggs during conception

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of DNA proofreading?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase checks and corrects mismatched bases during replication.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of codominance, one of the five factors leading to more complex inheritance patterns?

Accepted Answer

A person with type AB blood expresses both A and B antigens equally.

Question 18

In Morgan’s Drosophila test cross, what evidence supported the occurrence of crossing over?

Accepted Answer

Some offspring displayed recombinant phenotypes not seen in the parents.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes a Barr body?

Accepted Answer

A structure formed by the inactivation of one X chromosome in female mammals

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the genetic code is correct?

Accepted Answer

A codon consists of three nucleotides and codes for a specific amino acid.

Genetics, Heredity, and Molecular Biology: Study Guide for Exam #1 (Biol 131)

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