Question 1

Gene families are .&#10;A)groups of genes with similar function that were generated from duplication events&#10;B)entire genomes&#10;C)always in operons&#10;D)have no role in evolution

Accepted Answer

Gene families are groups of genes that share similar functions and have been derived from duplication events, whether through whole genome duplication or gene duplication within a genome. This process plays a significant role in evolution by allowing for the divergence of gene function and the development of new traits. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because gene families are not entire genomes. Option C is incorrect because gene families are not always in operons. Option D is also incorrect because gene families have an important role in evolution.

Question 2

The African Eve hypothesis is based on .&#10;A)Y chromosome analysis&#10;B)identification of junk DNA sequences&#10;C)mitochondrial DNA sequences&#10;D)ribosomal RNA sequencing

Accepted Answer

The African Eve hypothesis is based on mitochondrial DNA sequences, which is DNA that is only passed down from the mother to her offspring. This hypothesis suggests that all humans have a common female ancestor who lived in Africa around 200,000 years ago. This theory was developed based on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences from different populations around the world.

Question 3

The transfer of genetic information from one species to another species is called .&#10;A)recombination&#10;B)vertical gene transfer&#10;C)horizontal gene transfer&#10;D)conjugation

Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer involves the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another organism that is not its offspring. This can occur through mechanisms such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction, allowing genetic material to be transferred across species boundaries. Recombination refers to the process of combining genetic material from two sources, while vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic material is passed down from parents to offspring, and conjugation is a specific mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, among the given options, the transfer of genetic information from one species to another species is best described as horizontal gene transfer.

Question 4

Which was likely the first molecule of life?&#10;A)DNA&#10;B)RNA&#10;C)protein&#10;D)lipids

Accepted Answer

RNA is believed to be the first molecule of life as it has the ability to self-replicate, act as a catalyst, and store genetic information, which are all important properties for the origin of life. RNA can also form spontaneously under conditions that could have existed on early Earth. While DNA is essential for life today, it is thought to have evolved from RNA. Proteins and lipids are important components of life, but they are not believed to have been the first molecules to appear.

Question 5

Mitochondrial DNA .&#10;A)has a high mutation rate&#10;B)is useful for determining paternal ancestry&#10;C)has a low mutation rate&#10;D)is only present in animal cells

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA has a high mutation rate, which makes it useful for studying evolutionary relationships and tracing maternal ancestry.

Question 6

Evolution relies upon .&#10;A)mutations made in somatic cells only&#10;B)mutations occurring in gametes&#10;C)mutations that result in altered protein function of somatic cells&#10;D)mutations in mRNA only

Accepted Answer

Evolution relies on mutations occurring in gametes, which are the cells that give rise to offspring and pass on genetic information to the next generation. Mutations in somatic cells, which make up the body of an organism, cannot be passed on to future generations and therefore cannot contribute to evolution. Mutations in mRNA only would also not contribute to evolution as they do not affect the DNA sequence of the genome. Mutations that result in altered protein function of somatic cells may have an effect on the individual organism, but unless they occur in gametes they will not contribute to evolutionary change.

Question 7

Gene duplication generates new genes with novel roles.

Accepted Answer

Gene duplication can lead to the creation of new genes with novel functions. This occurs when the duplicated gene undergoes mutation and acquires new functions or expression patterns. Over time, these new genes can become essential for the survival and adaptation of organisms.

Question 8

Life likely evolved under .&#10;A)a reducing atmosphere&#10;B)cold conditions&#10;C)oxidizing conditions&#10;D)dehydrating conditions

Accepted Answer

It is believed that life on Earth evolved under a reducing atmosphere, which had a low concentration of oxygen and high concentration of methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. This is because it is easier for organic molecules to form and remain stable in such an environment, providing the necessary building blocks for life to emerge.

Question 9

Recent evolutionary changes are easier to identify from .&#10;A)DNA with slow mutation rates&#10;B)DNA with high mutation rates&#10;C)ribosomal RNA sequences&#10;D)Y chromosomes

Accepted Answer

DNA with high mutation rates would have more recent and noticeable changes compared to DNA with slow mutation rates. These changes can be used to track evolutionary changes over a shorter period of time. Ribosomal RNA sequences and Y chromosomes can also be used to track evolutionary changes, but they may not necessarily provide evidence for recent changes.

Question 10

Which of the following helps support the RNA World hypothesis?&#10;A)ribozymes&#10;B)catalytic RNAs&#10;C)genetic information encoded on RNA&#10;D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

The RNA World hypothesis proposes that RNA molecules were the earliest form of genetic material and played a central role in the origin of life. Ribozymes and catalytic RNAs are RNA molecules that catalyze chemical reactions, providing evidence that RNA can have enzymatic activity. Genetic information can also be encoded on RNA, supporting the idea that RNA could have been responsible for the origin of life. Therefore, all of the choices (A, B, and C) help support the RNA World hypothesis.

Deck 26: Molecular Evolution