Question 1

Which of the following best describes the bond that holds together the sugar and phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid?

Accepted Answer

Phosphodiester bond

Question 2

A scientist is comparing the chromosomes of a human cell and an E. coli cell. Which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and found in a nucleus, while prokaryotic chromosomes are circular and found in the cytoplasm.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches the term with its definition?

Accepted Answer

Codon: a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for an amino acid

Question 4

A linear sequence of DNA nucleotides which provides the genetic information for a single characteristic is called a:

Accepted Answer

Gene

Question 5

Which of the following statements about plasmids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that replicate independently of the main chromosome.

Question 6

Which of the following do chloroplasts, mitochondria, and prokaryotic DNA have in common?

Accepted Answer

They all contain circular DNA.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic replication involves multiple origins of replication, while prokaryotic replication typically has a single origin.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a difference between DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains uracil, RNA contains thymine.

Question 11

If a protein is composed of 4 amino acids, how many nucleotides are required to code for it?

Accepted Answer

$$12$$

Question 12

Why is control of gene expression important in cells?

Accepted Answer

To conserve energy and resources by producing proteins only when needed

Question 13

Which of the following best defines a mutation?

Accepted Answer

A permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA

Question 14

A frameshift mutation is most likely to result from which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An insertion or deletion of a nucleotide

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a chemical mutagenic agent and its effect?

Accepted Answer

Nitrous acid causing deamination of bases

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 17

What is the main difference between generalized and specialized transduction?

Accepted Answer

Generalized transduction can transfer any gene, specialized transduction transfers only specific genes near the prophage site.

Question 18

A 'competent' bacterium is one that:

Accepted Answer

Can take up DNA from its environment

Question 19

Which of the following best describes a 'jumping gene'?

Accepted Answer

A transposon that can move from one location to another within the genome

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of lateral (horizontal) gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium passing a plasmid to another bacterium via a pilus

Study Notes: Microbial Genetics (Chapter 7)

Study Guide - Practice Questions