$$\text{Gene Density} = \frac{\text{Number of Genes}}{\text{Genome Size (Mb)}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of whole-genome shotgun sequencing?

Accepted Answer

DNA is cut into overlapping fragments, each fragment is cloned, sequenced, and then ordered into one overall sequence using computer software.

Question 2

What is the primary function of restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences, producing sticky ends that can be joined with DNA ligase.

Question 3

Which equation represents the relationship between gene density and genome size in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Gene Density} = \frac{	ext{Number of Genes}}{	ext{Genome Size (Mb)}}$$

Question 4

Which of the following statements about alternative splicing is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alternative splicing allows a single gene to produce multiple polypeptides.

Question 5

A scientist uses BLAST software to compare a newly discovered gene sequence to known sequences. What is the most likely goal of this analysis?

Accepted Answer

To identify similarities and predict the function of the unknown gene based on sequence homology.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the human genome contains fewer than 21,000 genes, despite predictions of 50,000–100,000?

Accepted Answer

Many genes undergo alternative splicing, allowing for multiple proteins from a single gene.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Producing human growth hormone to treat stunted growth.

Question 8

What is the role of transposase in the movement of transposons?

Accepted Answer

Transposase catalyzes the excision and insertion of transposons within the genome.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of homeobox genes?

Accepted Answer

They code for transcription factors that regulate development and body plan formation.

Question 10

A patient’s cancer genome is analyzed using a microarray chip. What information can be obtained from this analysis?

Accepted Answer

Patterns of gene expression in cancer versus normal cells.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of exon shuffling during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

New combinations of exons can create proteins with novel functions.

Question 12

Which equation would you use to calculate the percentage of exons in the human genome?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Percentage of Exons} = \frac{	ext{Exon Length}}{	ext{Total Genome Length}} 	imes 100$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the evolutionary significance of polyploidy?

Accepted Answer

Polyploidy provides extra genetic material that can diverge and evolve new functions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of highly conserved genes?

Accepted Answer

They have changed very little over evolutionary time and are found in diverse species.

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible effect of a transposable element inserting into a regulatory sequence?

Accepted Answer

It may increase or decrease the expression of the associated gene.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between humans and chimpanzees based on genome comparisons?

Accepted Answer

Humans and chimpanzees differ by 1.2% at single base pairs and by 2.7% due to insertions and deletions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the FOXP2 gene in mammals?

Accepted Answer

It regulates genes needed for vocalization and speech.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of pseudogenes in the genome?

Accepted Answer

Pseudogenes are former genes that have accumulated mutations and are nonfunctional.

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of multigene families?

Accepted Answer

They consist of collections of two or more identical or very similar genes.

Genomes and Their Evolution: Study Guide for Chapter 21 (Campbell Biology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions