Question 1

Which experiment provided evidence that DNA, and not protein, is the genetic material in cells?

Accepted Answer

Hershey and Chase experiments

Question 2

What is the primary function of molecular chaperones in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Assist in the proper folding of proteins

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary protein structure?

Accepted Answer

Primary structure is the sequence of amino acids; secondary structure is the local folding into alpha helices and beta sheets

Question 4

A scientist subjects a protein to thermal denaturation and then localizes it in the nucleus of the cell. Which property of the protein is most likely being studied?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear localization signals

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of centromeres?

Accepted Answer

Initiate DNA replication

Question 6

Which term describes the process by which proteins are moved from the cytoplasm into the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear import

Question 7

Which of the following statements about amino acid side chains is correct?

Accepted Answer

Side chains can be classified as polar or non-polar based on their atomic structure

Question 8

A mutation in a gene leads to a protein with altered tertiary structure but unchanged primary structure. Which level of protein structure is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary structure

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why ultraviolet (UV) light is dangerous to living organisms?

Accepted Answer

UV light can cause DNA mutations by inducing thymine dimers

Question 10

Which process is responsible for the secretion of proteins from a cell?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct description of the 5' strain and the live R (rough) strain in the context of transformation experiments?

Accepted Answer

The 5' strain is virulent and can transform the non-virulent R strain

Question 12

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of the sedimentation coefficient (S value) for ribosomal subunits?

Accepted Answer

$$S = \frac{v_t}{\$$omega^2$$ r}$$

Question 13

A cell biologist is studying the modification of histones. Which process is most likely being investigated?

Accepted Answer

Chromatin remodeling

Question 14

Which of the following statements about retroviruses is correct?

Accepted Answer

Retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from RNA

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of a molecular chaperone assisting in protein folding?

Accepted Answer

Hsp70 binding to nascent polypeptides to prevent aggregation

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) in cell biology?

Accepted Answer

Detects specific DNA or RNA sequences within cells using fluorescent probes

Question 17

A researcher is analyzing the 5' + 16S values for ribosomal subunits. What is the significance of these values?

Accepted Answer

They indicate the sedimentation rates of ribosomal RNA subunits during centrifugation

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of incorrect protein folding in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of misfolded proteins can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin?

Accepted Answer

Constitutive heterochromatin is always condensed and inactive, while facultative heterochromatin can become active under certain conditions

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct application of the concept of polarity in amino acids?

Accepted Answer

Polar amino acids are more likely to be found on the surface of proteins interacting with water

Key Concepts in Cell Biology: Experiments, Protein Structure, and Molecular Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards