Question 1

What is the main problem that occurs when replicating linear chromosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

The ends of chromosomes (telomeres) cannot be fully replicated, leading to progressive shortening.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a telomere?

Accepted Answer

A repetitive DNA sequence at the end of a linear chromosome that protects it from degradation.

Question 3

What is the typical DNA sequence found in human telomeres?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{TTAGGG}$$

Question 4

Does the telomere sequence code for a gene?

Accepted Answer

No, it is a non-coding repetitive sequence.

Question 5

You have two cell populations in culture: Population A has been grown and propagated for 6 months, and Population B for 2 months. Which population will likely have shorter telomeres?

Accepted Answer

Population A

Question 6

Fill in the blank: The more times a cell divides, the ________ its telomeres become.

Accepted Answer

shorter

Question 7

Which type of cells typically express telomerase?

Accepted Answer

Germ cells

Question 8

What is the function of telomerase?

Accepted Answer

It adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, maintaining telomere length.

Question 9

Why might an anti-telomerase drug be useful in treating cancer?

Accepted Answer

It would inhibit telomerase, causing telomere shortening and limiting cancer cell division.

Question 10

Which enzyme is responsible for maintaining telomere length in germ cells and some cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Telomerase

Question 11

During oogenesis and spermatogenesis, which enzyme helps prevent the loss of genes at chromosome ends?

Accepted Answer

Telomerase

Question 12

Which of the following cell types is LEAST likely to express telomerase?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells

Question 13

A researcher observes that a cell line can divide indefinitely in culture. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

The cells express high levels of telomerase.

Question 14

If telomerase is inhibited in a cancer cell, what is the most likely long-term outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will eventually undergo senescence due to telomere shortening.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why telomeres are important for chromosome stability?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the loss of coding DNA during replication.

Question 16

A patient is treated with a drug that inhibits telomerase. Which cell type is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells

Question 17

Which of the following is a consequence of telomere shortening in somatic cells?

Accepted Answer

Cellular senescence and aging

Question 18

Which formula best represents the relationship between the number of cell divisions ($$n) $$and telomere length ($$L$$), assuming a constant loss per division ($$d) $$and initial length $$L_0$$?

Accepted Answer

$$L = L_0$ - n 	imes d$$

Question 19

Which of the following statements about telomerase is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Telomerase adds DNA repeats to the ends of chromosomes.

Question 20

A scientist wants to measure telomere length in two cell samples. Which technique would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Southern blotting

Replication of Linear Chromosomes and the Role of Telomeres

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