Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the structure of a nucleotide in DNA?

Accepted Answer

A phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a cyclic amine base

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Thymine

Question 3

During transcription, what is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

Accepted Answer

To copy the genetic code from nuclear DNA using complementary base pairing

Question 4

Which of the following base pairs is correct according to the rules of complementary base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine pairs with Thymine

Question 5

What is the function of transfer RNA (tRNA) during protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

It brings the appropriate amino acid to the ribosome according to the mRNA codon sequence

Question 6

Which process involves the conversion of the genetic code in DNA into a sequence of amino acids in a protein?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 7

A gene is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A collection of amine base triplets that encode for the synthesis of a particular protein or peptide

Question 8

Which of the following is a direct result of genetic engineering in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Production of human insulin by genetically modified bacteria

Question 9

What is the main goal of the Human Genome Project?

Accepted Answer

To map all human genes and verify the molecular structure of DNA

Question 10

Which of the following statements about forensic DNA analysis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It usually involves partial identification of someone's DNA, not complete sequencing

Question 11

Which of the following is a hormone that signals the body to store excess blood glucose as glycogen?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Question 12

What is the difference between hormones and pheromones?

Accepted Answer

Hormones operate inside the body, while pheromones operate outside the body

Question 13

Which sugar is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Ribose

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct representation of a phosphate ester linkage in a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

$HO-\mathrm{P}-O-CH_2$

Question 15

If a DNA sequence is $5'-ATGCGT-3'$, what would be the complementary mRNA sequence produced during transcription?

Accepted Answer

$5'-UACGCA-3'$

Question 16

Which of the following codons signals the start of protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

$AUG$

Question 17

A mutation changes a DNA base triplet from $GAA$ to $GAG$. What effect will this likely have on the protein produced?

Accepted Answer

No effect, because both codons code for the same amino acid (silent mutation)

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the backbone of a nucleic acid molecule?

Accepted Answer

Alternating phosphate and pentose sugar units

Question 19

Genetically modified foods (GM foods) are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Agricultural products that have had genes from other organisms inserted into their DNA

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a function of the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

Sequencing the human genome

Nucleic Acids: Structure, Protein Synthesis, Genetic Modification, and the Human Genome

Study Guide - Practice Questions