$$\text{Parent DNA} \rightarrow \text{2 Daughter DNA (each with 1 old + 1 new strand)}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of DNA in prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Circular chromosomes located in the nucleoid region

Question 2

What is the primary function of plasmids in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They provide survival advantages such as antibiotic resistance

Question 3

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the RNA primer?

Accepted Answer

Primase

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the central dogma of genetics is correct?

Accepted Answer

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the semiconservative model of DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Parent DNA} ightarrow 	ext{2 Daughter DNA (each with 1 old + 1 new strand)}$$

Question 6

A mutation that results in the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide, shifting the reading frame, is called:

Accepted Answer

Frameshift mutation

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic transcription occurs in the nucleus

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why bacteria regulate gene expression?

Accepted Answer

To conserve energy and resources by expressing genes only when needed

Question 9

The Ames test is used to:

Accepted Answer

Detect potential mutagens by measuring mutation rates in bacteria

Question 10

Which of the following is required for bacterial conjugation?

Accepted Answer

A sex pilus and direct cell-to-cell contact

Question 11

A bacterium acquires the ability to synthesize a capsule after taking up DNA from its environment. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of DNA ligase during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand

Question 13

Which of the following is a characteristic of eukaryotic genomes but not prokaryotic genomes?

Accepted Answer

Linear chromosomes with histone proteins

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding inducible operons in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

They are activated by the presence of a specific substrate, such as lactose

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of tRNA during translation?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

A chemical mutagen that mimics a nucleotide and is incorporated into DNA, causing base-pair substitutions, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A nucleotide analog

Question 17

Which DNA repair mechanism uses visible light to repair thymine dimers?

Accepted Answer

Light repair pathway

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the energy requirement for DNA polymerization?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{dNTP} ightarrow 	ext{dNMP} + 2	ext{PP}_i + 	ext{energy}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of complex transposons?

Accepted Answer

They can carry additional genes, such as antibiotic resistance genes

Question 20

Which of the following best describes horizontal gene transfer by transduction?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions