Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of RNA polymerase during transcription in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA using ribonucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) and does not require a primer.

Question 2

In eukaryotes, which of the following is NOT a step in the processing of pre-mRNA before it becomes mature mRNA?

Accepted Answer

Removal of exons

Question 3

What is the function of the sigma factor in bacterial transcription initiation?

Accepted Answer

It recognizes promoter sequences and orients RNA polymerase on the DNA.

Question 4

Which sequence is typically found about 10 bases upstream of the transcription start site in bacterial promoters?

Accepted Answer

TATAAT

Question 5

During transcription elongation in bacteria, nucleotides are added to which end of the growing RNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

3' end

Question 6

What is the consequence of a mutation that disrupts the formation of the hairpin structure in bacterial RNA during transcription termination?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase will not separate from the RNA transcript, leading to continued transcription.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between transcription in bacteria and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotes have at least three distinct RNA polymerases, while bacteria have only one.

Question 8

Which of the following is true regarding the coding and template strands of DNA during transcription?

Accepted Answer

The template strand is used for RNA synthesis, and the coding strand matches the mRNA sequence (except U for T).

Question 9

What is the role of snRNPs in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

They catalyze the splicing of introns from pre-mRNA.

Question 10

A scientist discovers a eukaryotic gene with multiple exons and introns. What process allows different proteins to be produced from this single gene?

Accepted Answer

Alternative splicing

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the direction of RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase?

Accepted Answer

$$5' \rightarrow 3'$$

Question 12

During RNA splicing, what structure is formed when the intron is looped out and cut from the pre-mRNA?

Accepted Answer

Lariat

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the 5' cap added to eukaryotic mRNA?

Accepted Answer

It helps ribosomes bind and protects the mRNA from degradation.

Question 14

What is the significance of untranslated regions (UTRs) in mature mRNA?

Accepted Answer

They regulate mRNA stability and translation efficiency.

Question 15

A mutation in the TATA box of a eukaryotic promoter would most likely affect which process?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of transcription

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why eukaryotic mRNA must be processed before translation?

Accepted Answer

To remove introns, add a 5' cap, and add a poly(A) tail for stability and translation efficiency

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the poly(A) tail added to eukaryotic mRNA?

Accepted Answer

It is required for translation and protects mRNA from degradation.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the spliceosome?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing ribosomal RNA

Question 19

If a eukaryotic cell fails to add a 5' cap to its mRNA, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The mRNA will be rapidly degraded and translation will be impaired.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between exons and introns in eukaryotic genes?

Accepted Answer

Introns are removed during RNA processing, while exons remain in the mature mRNA.

Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation: Core Concepts and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions