Question 1

Which of the following provides indirect evidence that DNA is the genetic material in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

The correlation between DNA content and chromosome sets in gametes and diploids

Question 2

Why is the wavelength of 260 nm significant in studies of DNA mutagenesis?

Accepted Answer

DNA absorbs UV light at 260 nm, which is also the most mutagenic wavelength

Question 3

Which experiment demonstrated that a chemical component of cells could introduce a new, heritable trait to a cell?

Accepted Answer

Frederick Griffith’s transformation experiment

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

A carboxyl group

Question 5

Which nitrogenous base is found only in DNA and not in RNA?

Accepted Answer

Thymine

Question 6

What type of bond links nucleotides together in a polynucleotide chain?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bond

Question 7

According to Chargaff’s rule, which of the following is true for double-stranded DNA?

Accepted Answer

The amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine

Question 8

Which scientist’s X-ray diffraction data was crucial in determining the helical structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Rosalind Franklin

Question 9

What is the structural feature of DNA that allows it to serve as a template for replication?

Accepted Answer

Its double-stranded, antiparallel structure

Question 10

Which base pairing provides greater chemical stability to the DNA helix?

Accepted Answer

G-C base pairing due to triple hydrogen bonds

Question 11

Which equation correctly represents the base pairing ratio in double-stranded DNA?

Accepted Answer

$$A = T$$

Question 12

Which process describes the use of DNA as instructions for making RNA?

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Question 13

Which of the following is a major class of RNA that carries genetic information from gene to ribosome?

Accepted Answer

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Question 14

Which virus uses RNA as its genetic material and replicates via reverse transcription?

Accepted Answer

Retrovirus

Question 15

What is the function of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes DNA from an RNA template

Question 16

Which sugar is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Ribose

Question 17

Which of the following statements about polynucleotide synthesis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) are precursors and are added to the growing chain, releasing energy

Question 18

Which equation represents the energy released during the addition of a nucleotide to a growing DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = -RT \ln K$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the central dogma of molecular genetics?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is translated to protein

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of understanding DNA structure?

Accepted Answer

Designing targeted gene therapies for genetic diseases

DNA Structure and Analysis: Foundations of Molecular Genetics

Study Guide - Practice Questions