Question 1

Which molecule must bind to the repressor protein in a repressible operon before the repressor can bind to the operator?

Accepted Answer

The corepressor

Question 2

A child with severe immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the ADA gene receives a functional copy of the gene via a viral vector. This treatment is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy

Question 3

DNA fragments are separated during gel electrophoresis because:

Accepted Answer

DNA fragments have different sizes and move at different rates when an electric current is applied

Question 4

The deliberate removal of genetic material from one organism and its subsequent transfer into the genome of another organism is known as:

Accepted Answer

Genetic engineering (Recombinant DNA technology)

Question 5

A microbe is photosynthetic but can use organic compounds as an energy source in the absence of light. Its carbon source is an organic compound. How is this organism classified?

Accepted Answer

Photoheterotroph

Question 6

A microorganism lacking catalase and superoxide dismutase would have difficulty surviving in an environment containing:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 7

You inoculate a Clostridium species into a tube of media and observe no growth. Clostridium is an obligate anaerobe. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen was present, which is toxic to obligate anaerobes like Clostridium

Question 8

During aerobic cellular respiration, the final electron acceptor is:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 9

Which phase of cellular respiration produces the majority of ATP?

Accepted Answer

Electron transport chain

Question 10

Enzymes often require Mg$$^{2+} or Fe$^{2+} to $$stabilize their structure or participate in catalysis. These helper molecules are called:

Accepted Answer

Cofactors

Question 11

A harmless strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae acquires a gene from a dead encapsulated strain, becoming virulent. Which mechanism of bacterial recombination explains this event?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 12

If lactose is present, the operator of the lac operon is switched ______; therefore, this is an example of a/an ______ operon.

Accepted Answer

On; Inducible

Question 13

A cell exposed to a hypertonic environment will ______ by osmosis.

Accepted Answer

Lose water

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the principle and a common application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Accepted Answer

PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences using primers and can be used for detecting genetic diseases or pathogens

Question 15

Which molecule is translated into an amino acid sequence during protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Question 16

The movement of substances from higher to lower concentration across a semipermeable membrane via a specific protein carrier, but without energy expenditure, is called:

Accepted Answer

Facilitated diffusion

Question 17

Restriction endonucleases are used in RFLP analysis to detect genetic variation. Which of the following is TRUE about restriction endonucleases?

Accepted Answer

They cut DNA at specific sequences called palindromes

Question 18

A silent mutation occurs when:

Accepted Answer

A base is changed but the amino acid remains the same

Question 19

During the bacterial growth curve, the phase in which the rate of multiplication equals the rate of cell death is called:

Accepted Answer

Stationary phase

Question 20

The time interval from a parent cell to two new daughter cells is called:

Accepted Answer

Generation time

Microbiology Study Guide: Operons, Gene Therapy, DNA, and More

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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