Question 1

Which of the following best describes the base pairing rules in DNA?

Accepted Answer

A pairs with T, G pairs with C

Question 2

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the growing chain?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 3

Which type of RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

Accepted Answer

tRNA

Question 4

A mutation changes the DNA codon AAA (which codes for lysine) to AAG. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The protein will still have lysine at that position

Question 5

Which process involves the transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell to another via direct cell-to-cell contact?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 6

What is the role of DNA ligase during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand

Question 7

Which of the following is a possible outcome of a silent mutation?

Accepted Answer

The amino acid sequence is unchanged

Question 8

In the process of transcription, which direction does RNA polymerase synthesize the new RNA strand?

Accepted Answer

5' to 3'

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a plasmid?

Accepted Answer

A circular, autonomously replicating DNA molecule

Question 10

A bacterium acquires resistance to an antibiotic by taking up DNA from its environment. Which genetic mechanism is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 11

Which of the following statements about gene regulation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Some genes are always on, but others are regulated by environmental needs

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of mutation?

Accepted Answer

Protein misfolding during translation

Question 13

During translation, what is the function of the ribosome?

Accepted Answer

Joins amino acids together to form a polypeptide

Question 14

Which of the following best describes generalized transduction?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of any DNA from the host cell to another cell via a virus

Question 15

If a mutation changes a codon from UUU (phenylalanine) to UUA (leucine), what type of mutation has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation

Question 16

Which equation correctly represents the complementary base pairing in DNA?

Accepted Answer

$$A = T, G = C$$

Question 17

A cell with an F plasmid can transfer DNA to a cell without the plasmid. What is the recipient cell called after receiving the plasmid?

Accepted Answer

F+

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of transformation in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Uptake of capsule-producing DNA by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 19

Which enzyme removes RNA primers and replaces them with DNA during replication?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 20

A mutation that introduces a premature stop codon in a gene is called:

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Microbial Genetics: Structure, Function, and Transfer of Genetic Material

Study Guide - Practice Questions