Question 1

Which of the following best describes epigenetics?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics is the change in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Question 2

A researcher observes that identical twins raised in different environments develop different disease risks. Which mechanism best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Differences in DNA methylation patterns due to environmental factors.

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct result of DNA methylation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased gene expression by turning off genes.

Question 4

A patient with schizophrenia is found to have a mutation in the DISC1 gene. Which of the following is most likely to be observed?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal GABA interneurons and decreased dopamine signaling.

Question 5

Which equation is used to estimate heritability in twin studies?

Accepted Answer

$$h^2 = 2 (r$$_{MZ} - r_{DZ})$$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells often show both hypomethylation and hypermethylation?

Accepted Answer

Cancer involves both gene activation and silencing through abnormal methylation patterns.

Question 7

A quantitative trait is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A trait with a continuous range of possible values influenced by many genes.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding dogs for specific traits such as size or temperament.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about gene therapy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ex vivo gene therapy involves removing cells, modifying them in the lab, and returning them to the patient.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of a promoter in gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

A promoter is a DNA region where RNA polymerase binds to start transcription.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of histone acetylation?

Accepted Answer

DNA becomes more open, increasing gene expression.

Question 12

A disease is considered a good candidate for gene therapy if:

Accepted Answer

It is caused by a single known gene mutation.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a non-additive allele?

Accepted Answer

An allele that does not contribute to the effect of a trait.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key risk of using viral vectors in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Viral vectors can integrate into the genome and disrupt other genes, causing immune reactions.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why heritability estimates are higher in twin studies for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Monozygotic twins share 100% of their genes, so genetic influence is more apparent.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of alternative splicing?

Accepted Answer

A single gene produces different mRNA variants, resulting in different proteins.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of transcription factors?

Accepted Answer

They bind to DNA and regulate transcription.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes a quantitative trait locus (QTL)?

Accepted Answer

A location in the genome that affects a polygenic trait.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely outcome of a nonsense mutation?

Accepted Answer

A premature stop codon resulting in a truncated protein.

Comprehensive Study Notes: Evolution, Epigenetics, Quantitative Genetics, and Gene Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards