Question 1

Which of the following best describes the base pairing rules in DNA and RNA, respectively?

Accepted Answer

DNA: A-T, G-C; RNA: A-U, G-C

Question 2

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for excising RNA primers and replacing them with DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 3

A mutation changes the DNA codon AAA to AAG. What is the most likely outcome if both codons code for lysine?

Accepted Answer

A silent mutation will occur

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of a plasmid in bacterial cells?

Accepted Answer

Encoding essential metabolic enzymes for cell survival

Question 5

Which process involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 6

In the process of translation, what is the role of tRNA?

Accepted Answer

It carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the mRNA codon

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the directionality of DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

DNA is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction

Question 8

A bacterium acquires resistance to an antibiotic through the transfer of a plasmid from another cell. Which genetic mechanism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 9

Which of the following is a possible outcome of a missense mutation in a gene?

Accepted Answer

A single amino acid in the protein is changed, potentially altering function

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the complementary base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

$A = T, \ G = C$

Question 11

A scientist wants to transfer a specific gene from one bacterium to another using a bacteriophage. Which process should they use?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 12

Which of the following statements about generalized transduction is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Any gene from the host can be transferred to another cell

Question 13

During transcription, which enzyme synthesizes RNA from a DNA template?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why some genes are only expressed when needed?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection ensures optimization and prevents wasteful expression

Question 15

A mutation in the DNA sequence results in a stop codon where there was previously a codon for an amino acid. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between F+ and F- bacterial cells in conjugation?

Accepted Answer

F+ cells can transfer DNA to F- cells

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Unwinding, synthesis, primer excision, ligation

Question 18

If a bacterial cell receives DNA from a virus that only includes genes near the viral insertion site, which process has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Specialized transduction

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of rRNA in the cell?

Accepted Answer

It forms the core of the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation

Question 20

A mutation is beneficial in one environment but harmful in another. What evolutionary concept does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Microbial Genetics: DNA, RNA, Replication, Mutation, and Gene Transfer

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