Question 1

Despite having identical DNA, how can two different cell types, such as muscle and skin cells, exhibit distinct structures and functions?

Accepted Answer

They express different sets of genes due to regulation at multiple levels, including transcriptional and posttranslational control.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a level of eukaryotic gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial control

Question 3

A researcher wants to study the phosphorylation state of a protein in cancer cells. Which type of posttranslational modification is she investigating?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorylation

Question 4

Which molecular biology technique would be most appropriate for amplifying a specific DNA sequence from a small sample?

Accepted Answer

PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

Question 5

In gel electrophoresis, why do DNA fragments migrate toward the anode?

Accepted Answer

Because DNA is negatively charged due to its phosphate backbone

Question 6

Which OMICS technique would you use to compare the mRNA profiles of tumor cells and normal cells from the same patient?

Accepted Answer

Transcriptomics

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia. Which molecular biology technique could be used to confirm the presence of the point mutation in the $$\beta-$$globin gene?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Question 8

Which of the following statements about OMICS techniques is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They provide a snapshot of molecular information but lack spatial and temporal resolution.

Question 9

What is the main purpose of using plasmids in molecular cloning?

Accepted Answer

To serve as vectors for moving and replicating DNA in host cells

Question 10

Which technique would you use to study the spatial arrangement of proteins within a cell?

Accepted Answer

Immunofluorescence microscopy

Question 11

A scientist wants to identify all the proteins present in a tissue sample. Which OMICS approach should she use?

Accepted Answer

Proteomics

Question 12

Which posttranslational modification involves the addition of sugar moieties to proteins?

Accepted Answer

Glycosylation

Question 13

Why is CRISPR/Cas9 considered a powerful tool for genome editing?

Accepted Answer

It can introduce double-stranded breaks at specific genomic locations, allowing for targeted insertion or deletion of DNA sequences.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why omics techniques cannot provide subcellular data?

Accepted Answer

They analyze bulk molecular content from whole cells or tissues, losing spatial resolution.

Question 15

During a Western blot, why do smaller proteins migrate faster through the gel than larger proteins?

Accepted Answer

Smaller proteins experience less resistance in the gel matrix, allowing them to move more quickly under an electric field.

Question 16

A researcher uses in situ hybridization to detect the location of a specific mRNA in a tissue. What is the principle behind this technique?

Accepted Answer

RNA probes complementary to the target mRNA are linked to dyes, allowing visualization of mRNA localization.

Question 17

Which equation best describes the exponential amplification of DNA during PCR after $$n$$ cycles?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 18

If a scientist wants to compare the metabolic products and hormone levels in two different tissues, which OMICS technique should be used?

Accepted Answer

Metabolomics

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of transcriptomics in cancer research?

Accepted Answer

Identifying differences in mRNA expression between tumor and normal cells to discover potential therapeutic targets.

Question 20

A patient’s genome matches 99.7% of the published human genome sequence. What does the remaining 0.3% represent?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation that contributes to individual uniqueness.

Gene Regulation and Molecular Biology Techniques in Cell Biology

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