Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of alternative splicing in eukaryotic gene expression?

Accepted Answer

It increases the number of proteins that can be produced from a single gene.

Question 2

In Drosophila, what is the consequence of a loss-of-function mutation in the Sex lethal (Sxl) gene in an XX individual?

Accepted Answer

The fly will develop as a male, despite being chromosomally female.

Question 3

Which of the following is a post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates gene expression in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA

Question 4

What is the primary function of the proteasome in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

It degrades proteins that have been tagged with ubiquitin.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about DNA methylation is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA methylation typically represses gene expression by preventing transcription factor binding.

Question 6

ApoB mRNA is edited in the intestine but not in the liver. What is the result of this tissue-specific RNA editing?

Accepted Answer

A truncated ApoB-48 protein is produced in the intestine, while full-length ApoB-100 is produced in the liver.

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between siRNA and miRNA in RNA interference?

Accepted Answer

siRNAs base-pair perfectly with their target mRNAs, while miRNAs often form imperfect pairings.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains how royal jelly influences the development of queen bees?

Accepted Answer

Royal jelly suppresses DNA methyltransferase activity, leading to the expression of queen-specific genes.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of epigenetic regulation?

Accepted Answer

Mutation of the DNA sequence

Question 10

What is the effect of high maternal nurturing on the epigenetic state of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene promoters in rat pups?

Accepted Answer

Decreased DNA methylation and increased histone acetylation, leading to higher GR expression.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Unmethylated DNA and acetylated histones promote gene expression.

Question 12

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD)?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of the production of truncated, potentially harmful proteins.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) in mRNA?

Accepted Answer

It allows mRNAs to be stored in a translationally dormant state until needed.

Question 14

Which of the following post-translational modifications is most directly involved in targeting proteins for degradation?

Accepted Answer

Ubiquitination

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of environmental factors on epigenetic states?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors such as nutrition and stress can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of noncoding RNAs in gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

They can bind to mRNAs and regulate their stability or translation.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of epigenetic inheritance in humans?

Accepted Answer

Children born to mothers who experienced famine during pregnancy have increased risk of metabolic diseases due to epigenetic changes.

Eukaryotic Gene Expression and Epigenetic Regulation: Mini-Textbook Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions