Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic chromosomes are circular and found in the nucleoid, while eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and found in the nucleus.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a function of RNA in the cell?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information for inheritance

Question 3

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand?

Accepted Answer

DNA ligase

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why DNA replication is considered 'semi-conservative'?

Accepted Answer

Each new DNA molecule consists of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Question 5

A mutation changes a codon from $	ext{UAC}$ to $	ext{UAA}$. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Question 6

Which of the following statements about Okazaki fragments is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

tRNA brings specific amino acids to the ribosome based on the codon sequence of mRNA.

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Transcription → Translation → Protein synthesis

Question 9

A bacterium is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in the formation of thymine dimers. Which DNA repair mechanism is most likely to fix this damage?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotide excision repair

Question 10

Which of the following statements about mutations is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Frameshift mutations can alter the reading frame of a gene, potentially affecting all downstream amino acids.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of primase during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Primase synthesizes short RNA primers to provide a starting point for DNA polymerase.

Question 12

In a eukaryotic cell, where does transcription occur?

Accepted Answer

In the nucleus

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why gene regulation is important in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It allows bacteria to conserve energy by only expressing genes when needed.

Question 14

A scientist discovers a bacterial strain that can take up naked DNA from its environment and incorporate it into its genome. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 15

Which of the following is a feature of transposons (jumping genes)?

Accepted Answer

They can move from one location to another within the genome.

Question 16

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the new DNA strand during replication?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 17

A mutation in a gene results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in the protein product. What type of mutation is this?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the genetic code is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The genetic code is universal and redundant.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of reverse transcription?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of DNA from an RNA template

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder caused by a single base insertion in a gene. What is the most likely effect of this mutation?

Accepted Answer

It will cause a frameshift mutation, altering the reading frame of the gene.

Microbiology Study Guide: Heredity, DNA Replication, Gene Expression, Mutations, and Genetic Variation

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