Question 1

Which structural feature makes RNA more chemically reactive and less stable than DNA?

Accepted Answer

The extra hydroxyl (–OH) group on the 2' carbon of ribose

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

Accepted Answer

It forms the core structural and catalytic components of ribosomes.

Question 3

A mutation causes a cell to lack small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Removal of introns from pre-mRNA

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct complementary base pairing in RNA?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{G} - 	ext{C}$$

Question 5

Which RNA type acts as a template for extending telomeres during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Telomerase RNA

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic RNA secondary structural elements?

Accepted Answer

Helix-turn-helix

Question 7

A researcher discovers a new RNA molecule that binds to complementary mRNA sequences and triggers their degradation. This RNA is most likely:

Accepted Answer

siRNA

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the hydrogen bonding between adenine and uracil in RNA?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{A} - 	ext{U}$$

Question 9

Which property allows RNA to fold into complex secondary structures such as hairpins and bulges?

Accepted Answer

RNA is single-stranded and can form intrastrand base pairs

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why RNA can adopt more diverse structures than DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA is single-stranded, allowing more degrees of freedom per nucleotide

Question 11

A mutation in the gene encoding tRNA would most likely disrupt which process?

Accepted Answer

Delivery of amino acids to the ribosome during translation

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of microRNA (miRNA) in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Regulating gene expression by blocking translation of specific mRNAs

Question 13

Which sugar is found in the backbone of RNA, and what is its distinguishing feature compared to DNA?

Accepted Answer

Ribose; contains a 2' hydroxyl (–OH) group

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the role of mRNA in gene expression?

Accepted Answer

A molecule that carries the genetic code from DNA to the cytoplasm for translation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a stem-loop structure in RNA?

Accepted Answer

A double-stranded region formed by intrastrand base pairing, ending in a single-stranded loop

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of the instability of RNA compared to DNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA is more susceptible to hydrolysis, making it suitable for transient messages like mRNA

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents the sugar-phosphate backbone of RNA?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{[Ribose]}_n - 	ext{[Phosphate]}_n$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of antisense RNA in gene regulation?

Accepted Answer

It binds to complementary mRNA to block translation

Question 19

Which of the following is a unique feature of telomerase RNA compared to other RNA types?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a template for extending chromosome ends during DNA replication

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why DNA is more suitable than RNA for long-term genetic storage?

Accepted Answer

DNA lacks a 2' hydroxyl group, making it less susceptible to hydrolysis

RNA Molecular Structure and Functional Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions