Question 1

Which process best describes how genetic information flows from DNA to protein in a eukaryotic cell?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A point mutation changes a single base pair in a gene. Which of the following outcomes is most likely if the mutation results in a stop codon early in the coding sequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will be shorter and likely nonfunctional.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the number of possible allele combinations in a diploid organism for a gene with $$n$$ different alleles?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$

Question 4

A frameshift mutation occurs when a single nucleotide is inserted into a coding sequence. What is the most likely effect on the resulting protein?

Accepted Answer

All amino acids after the mutation will be altered, possibly resulting in a nonfunctional protein.

Question 5

During meiosis, what is the result of the first division (Meiosis I)?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are separated into two haploid cells.

Question 6

If a diploid cell has 4 copies of a gene after DNA replication, how many copies will each daughter cell have after meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

1

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why most point mutations are neutral or slightly deleterious?

Accepted Answer

Most mutations do not change the amino acid sequence or have only minor effects on protein shape.

Question 8

A pea plant with genotype Pp is crossed with another Pp plant. If purple (P) is dominant to white (p), what is the expected phenotypic ratio in the offspring?

Accepted Answer

3 purple : 1 white

Question 9

Which of the following chromosomal mutations is most likely to result in a gene being expressed in the wrong tissue or at the wrong time?

Accepted Answer

Translocation

Question 10

Which statement best describes the principle of segregation as explained by Mendel?

Accepted Answer

Each gamete receives only one allele of each gene because the alleles separate during meiosis.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a homozygous genotype?

Accepted Answer

Two identical alleles for a gene

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-life example of a beneficial mutation?

Accepted Answer

A mutation that provides resistance to malaria in heterozygotes

Question 13

Which of the following best explains how meiosis contributes to genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

By separating homologous chromosomes and allowing independent assortment

Question 14

If a gene has five different alleles in a population, how many alleles for that gene could be found in a single diploid cell?

Accepted Answer

At most two

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype determines the phenotype through the expression of proteins.

Question 16

A substitution mutation changes the third nucleotide of a codon. What is the most likely effect on the protein?

Accepted Answer

It may have no effect due to the redundancy of the genetic code.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a dominant allele?

Accepted Answer

Its phenotypic effect is observed when present in either the homozygous or heterozygous state.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A plant with round, yellow seeds produces offspring with all combinations of round/wrinkled and yellow/green seeds.

Question 19

Which of the following is a possible outcome of a chromosomal inversion mutation?

Accepted Answer

A segment of a chromosome is reversed end to end.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a large change in amino acid sequence is almost always deleterious?

Accepted Answer

It often disrupts protein folding and function, leading to loss of activity.

Mutations, Meiosis, and Mendelian Inheritance: Core Concepts in Genetics

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