Question 1

A goal of genomics is to ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal of genomics is to understand the mechanisms that control gene expression, or how genes are turned on and off in different tissues and under different conditions. This includes studying the interactions between genes and their regulatory elements, as well as the effects of environmental factors on gene expression. While genomics can also be used to manipulate genetic material for various purposes, such as producing large quantities of a gene product or regulating gene expression without changing the protein they encode, these are not the primary goals of genomics as a field.

Question 2

If there are 64 potential codons that code for various amino acids but only about 20 specific amino acids, what must be true about the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

Since there are more potential codons than there are actual amino acids, this means that multiple codons must code for the same amino acid. This is known as the degeneracy of the genetic code.

Question 3

The ________ is used to convert the linear sequences of bases in DNA to the sequence of amino acids in proteins.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ________ is used to convert the...

Question 4

DNA fingerprinting is now widely used to tie a particular suspect to the DNA samples found at a crime scene. What benefits can be derived from this technology in fighting crime?

Accepted Answer

All of the options (A, B, and C) are benefits of using DNA fingerprinting technology in fighting crime. It can help police narrow down suspects quickly, eliminate innocent people, and provide strong evidence in court to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized criminal investigations and has become a standard tool in solving crimes worldwide.

Question 5

Translation occurs at the ________ in the cell.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Translation occurs at the ________ in the...

Question 6

If you could neither synthesize nor acquire deoxyribose in any way, you could not make the nucleic acid ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you could neither synthesize nor acquire...

Question 7

The genetic code works only because each codon is read in a specific manner that results in the correct amino acid being placed in that particular spot. What physically places each amino acid by matching up the correct codon?

Accepted Answer

tRNA (transfer RNA) physically places each amino acid by matching up the correct codon. Each type of tRNA is specific for a particular amino acid, and has an anticodon that matches to a particular codon on the mRNA. This allows the tRNA to bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome and place it in the growing polypeptide chain.

Question 8

In gene expression, ________.

Accepted Answer

In gene expression, DNA acts as a template for the synthesis of RNA through transcription. This RNA molecule then acts as a template for the synthesis of a polypeptide chain through translation. Therefore, DNA directs the synthesis of RNA which then directs the synthesis of a polypeptide. Choice A is incorrect because DNA does not directly synthesize a polypeptide without first synthesizing RNA. Choice B is incorrect because RNA does not determine the sequence of DNA, but rather is made from a DNA sequence. Choice D is incorrect because polypeptides do not direct the synthesis of RNA or DNA, but rather are themselves synthesized based on the genetic information in DNA.

Question 9

UV rays from the sun cause a specific type of improper base pairing called a thymine dimer. If a cell cannot correct this problem, the section of DNA can be removed, causing a deletion of several nucleotides. What will this cause?

Accepted Answer

If a deletion of several nucleotides occurs, the codons downstream of the deletion will shift by one letter, causing a frameshift mutation. This means that all the codons after the point of the deletion will be off, potentially leading to a completely different amino acid sequence and a non-functional protein. A thymine dimer can cause this type of deletion if it is not repaired by the cell's DNA repair mechanisms.

Question 10

Why do transcription and translation take place in two different locations?

Accepted Answer

DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell, whereas ribosomes, which are responsible for translation, are found in the cytoplasm. Therefore, transcription (the process of copying DNA into RNA) takes place in the nucleus, while translation (the process of using RNA to make a protein) takes place in the cytoplasm on ribosomes.

Question 11

The p53 gene is a tumor-suppressing gene that prevents damaged cells from undergoing cell division. If this gene ceases to function due to a mutation, what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

The p53 gene prevents damaged cells from undergoing cell division, so if the gene ceases to function due to a mutation, uncontrolled cell division will occur, leading to the formation of tumors. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 12

________ is attached to a specific amino acid and transports it to the appropriate region of mRNA.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ is attached to a specific amino...

Question 13

________ are small pieces of DNA separate from the bacterial chromosome.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ are small pieces of DNA separate...

Question 14

A new antibiotic is developed that interferes with the way tRNA fits into bacterial ribosomes. How would this kill the bacteria?

Accepted Answer

By interfering with the way tRNA fits into bacterial ribosomes, the antibiotic would disrupt the bacterial protein synthesis process. This would result in the bacteria being unable to produce necessary enzymes to carry out basic metabolism, ultimately leading to their death.

Question 15

A(n) ________ is composed of one sugar (deoxyribose or ribose), one phosphate, and one nitrogenous base.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) ________ is composed of one sugar...

Question 16

Changes in the DNA are called ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Changes in the DNA are called ________....

Question 17

The end product of transcription is the production of a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The end product of transcription is the...

Question 18

Many factors control the activity of genes. The array of chemicals that is responsible for turning a gene "on" is known as the ________.

Accepted Answer

The epigenome is the array of chemicals that controls the activity of genes, including which genes are turned on or off. Genetic engineer refers to the process of manipulating genes, not the chemicals that control their activity. Fingerprint is unrelated to gene regulation. Recombinant gene is a gene that has been altered by genetic engineering, also not related to the chemicals that control gene activity.

Question 19

Genes are really just segments of DNA in patterns of As, Ts, Gs, and Cs. How does an RNA polymerase "know" where to start transcribing at the beginning of a particular gene?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase recognizes a specific promoter region on DNA upstream of the gene it needs to transcribe. This promoter contains specific sequences that attract RNA polymerase and provide directional information for transcription. Thus, the polymerase "knows" where to start transcribing based on the recognition of this promoter region.

Question 20

Point mutations can occur in any given cell type, but they mostly affect only that one cell and cells produced by it. What cell type, if mutated, would allow the mutation to be passed on to family members for generations?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in gametes (sperm or egg cells) can be passed on to offspring and therefore can affect multiple generations.

Quiz 30: DNA and Biotechnology