Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the direction in which RNA is synthesized during transcription?

Accepted Answer

RNA is synthesized in the 5′ → 3′ direction.

Question 2

During transcription in bacteria, which protein is responsible for recognizing and binding to the promoter region of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Sigma protein

Question 3

In eukaryotic cells, what is the function of the 5′ cap added to mRNA during RNA processing?

Accepted Answer

It enables ribosomes to bind and protects the mRNA from degradation.

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Amino\ acid\ 1} + \mathrm{Amino\ acid\ 2} \rightarrow \mathrm{Peptide\ bond} + \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 5

A mutation causes the loss of the poly(A) tail in a eukaryotic mRNA. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The mRNA will be rapidly degraded and not translated.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

It transfers specific amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.

Question 7

In bacteria, what causes RNA polymerase to terminate transcription?

Accepted Answer

A hairpin structure forms in the RNA, causing separation from the DNA template.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key difference between transcription in bacteria and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotes use basal transcription factors instead of sigma proteins.

Question 9

Which site on the ribosome is responsible for accepting incoming aminoacyl tRNAs during translation?

Accepted Answer

A site

Question 10

Alternative splicing in eukaryotes allows for:

Accepted Answer

The production of different proteins from a single gene.

Question 11

During the initiation of translation in eukaryotes, which of the following events occurs first?

Accepted Answer

The small ribosomal subunit binds to the mRNA near the start codon.

Question 12

Which of the following equations represents the direction of mRNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

$$5' \rightarrow 3'$$

Question 13

A scientist observes that a newly synthesized polypeptide is not folding properly. Which post-translational modification is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Action of molecular chaperones

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the coding strand of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Its sequence matches the mRNA except for T replaced by U.

Question 15

What is the main function of the spliceosome in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It removes introns from pre-mRNA.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between codons and anticodons?

Accepted Answer

Codons are found on mRNA and anticodons are found on tRNA.

Question 17

Which of the following is required for charging a tRNA with its corresponding amino acid?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Question 18

During translation, what happens when the ribosome encounters a stop codon?

Accepted Answer

A release factor binds to the A site, causing the polypeptide to be released.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why RNA polymerase does not require a primer to begin transcription?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase can add the first ribonucleotide without a pre-existing 3′ OH group.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of a mutation in the TATA box of a eukaryotic gene promoter?

Accepted Answer

Transcription initiation may fail, leading to reduced gene expression.

Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation: Study Notes for Chapter 17

Study Guide - Practice Questions