Question 1

A strand of DNA serves as a template (model) for the synthesis of ____.
A) chromosomes
B) RNA
C) Proteins
D) carbohydrates

Accepted Answer

A strand of DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA through the process of transcription. RNA then serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins through the process of translation.

Question 2

Chromosomes consist of large, double-stranded molecules of ____.
A) deoxyribonucleic acid
B) ribonucleic acid
C) autosomal genes
D) recombination genes

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes consist of large double-stranded molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). RNA is single-stranded and not typically found in chromosomes. Autosomal and recombination genes are specific types of genes located on chromosomes, but do not make up the structure of the chromosome itself.

Question 3

One way to relieve the pain associated with a phantom limb is to ____.
A) remove more of the amputated limb
B) have the amputee learn to use an artificial limb
C) stimulate the relevant part of the cortex
D) convince the patient that there is no neural basis for these sensations

Accepted Answer

The answer of  One way to relieve the pain associated...

Question 4

Heightened sensitivity to a neurotransmitter after the destruction of an incoming axon is known as ____.
A) axon supersensitivity
B) disuse supersensitivity
C) enervation supersensitivity
D) denervation supersensitivity

Accepted Answer

Denervation supersensitivity refers to the increased sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors to a neurotransmitter after the destruction of the incoming axon. This can occur due to a lack of inhibition from the destroyed axon, leading to an upregulation of receptors to compensate for the decreased neurotransmitter input.

Question 5

What is one impediment to the regeneration of axons in the mammalian central nervous system?
A) Inhibitory chemicals secreted by the damaged portion of the axon
B) Bacterial infections caused by the decaying tissue
C) Glia releasing chemicals that inhibit axon growth
D) Inhibitory messages sent from the cell nucleus when an axon is damaged

Accepted Answer

Glia cells in the central nervous system release chemicals that inhibit axon growth, which is an impediment to axon regeneration. This is one of the major reasons why axons in the mammalian central nervous system do not readily regenerate after injury. A number of inhibitory molecules have been identified that are produced by glia in response to injury, including various forms of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, myelin-associated glycoprotein, and the protein Nogo. These molecules act to restrict axon growth and prevent regeneration.

Question 6

A cortical cell originally responded to stimulation of the middle finger. After amputation of that finger, it begins responding to the second and fourth fingers. Which action most likely accounts for this?
A) Synaptic reorganization
B) Growth of completely new axons
C) Altered pattern of blood vessels in the brain
D) A psychotic reaction

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is likely the result of synaptic reorganization in the cortical cell. After the amputation of the middle finger, the brain's sensory map of the body is altered, and neighboring areas may begin to respond to input from other nearby fingers. This reorganization occurs at the level of synapses between neurons in the cortex. No evidence suggests that this phenomenon is caused by growth of new axons or altered patterns of blood vessels. A psychotic reaction is not relevant to this neurological phenomenon.

Question 7

After learning strengthens one set of synapses, other synapses ____.
A) weaken
B) die
C) get stronger
D) become aroused

Accepted Answer

After learning strengthens one set of synapses, other synapses weaken. This is known as synaptic pruning, where the brain eliminates weaker or unnecessary synapses to make room for stronger and more efficient connections.

Question 8

The results of several studies of facial expressions in people who were born blind suggest ____.
A) a minor role for genetics in the control of facial expressions
B) a major role for genetics as well as environment in the control of facial expressions
C) no role of genetics in the control of facial expressions
D) no role of genetics, but a major role of environment in the control of facial expressions

Accepted Answer

Studies on individuals who were born blind show that they exhibit facial expressions similar to those of sighted individuals, even in the absence of visual learning from observing others. This suggests that genetics plays a significant role in the development and control of facial expressions, alongside environmental factors.

Question 9

Lola had a stroke several days ago. At this point, which treatment would be most likely to her?
A) Injecting a drug to block dopamine
B) Administering tranquilizers
C) Extensive bed rest
D) Giving stimulant drugs combined with physical therapy

Accepted Answer

Giving stimulant drugs combined with physical therapy is the most appropriate treatment for a stroke patient. This helps in restoring the function of affected areas and promoting recovery. Injecting a drug to block dopamine and administering tranquilizers are not appropriate treatments for stroke. Extensive bed rest may lead to further complications, such as blood clots, muscle weakness, and pressure sores.

Question 10

Suppose "A" is a dominant gene for the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and "a" is a recessive gene for the inability to taste it. Which couples could possibly have both a child who tastes it and a child who does not?
A) father AA, mother aa
B) father Aa, mother AA
C) father Aa, mother Aa
D) father AA, mother AA

Accepted Answer

Couples with genotype Aa (heterozygous) have the possibility of producing offspring with either a dominant phenotype (tasting ability) or recessive phenotype (inability to taste). Therefore, parents who are both Aa have a chance of producing both types of offspring.

Question 11

Units of heredity that maintain their structural identity from one generation to another are known as ____.
A) enzymes
B) mutations
C) nucleic acids
D) genes

Accepted Answer

Genes are the units of heredity that maintain their structural identity from one generation to another. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, mutations are changes in the genetic material that may or may not be passed on to offspring, and nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA) are molecules that make up genes and other genetic material.

Question 12

Chemically, what is the route from genes to their expression?
A) DNA to proteins to RNA
B) DNA to RNA to proteins
C) Proteins to DNA to RNA
D) RNA to DNA to proteins

Accepted Answer

The route from genes to their expression is called the central dogma of molecular biology. It involves the process of transcription where DNA is converted into RNA and then translation where RNA is converted into proteins. Therefore, the correct route is DNA to RNA to proteins. Choice A is incorrect because it reverses the order of RNA and proteins. Choice C is incorrect because proteins cannot be converted back into DNA. Choice D is incorrect because RNA cannot be converted into DNA in a biological system.

Question 13

If some of the axons innervating a given cell are destroyed or if they become inactive, what compensatory process takes place in the remaining presynaptic cells?
A) Activation of previously silent synapses
B) Removal of toxins
C) Denervation supersensitivity
D) Collateral sprouting

Accepted Answer

When some axons innervating a given cell are destroyed or inactive, the compensatory process that takes place in the remaining presynaptic cells is collateral sprouting. This involves the growth of new branches from remaining axons to form new synaptic connections with the target cell.

Question 14

If most of the axons that transmit dopamine to some brain area die or become inactive, the remaining dopamine synapses become ____.
A) less responsive
B) less easily stimulated
C) more resistant
D) more responsive

Accepted Answer

If most of the axons that transmit dopamine to some brain area die or become inactive, the remaining dopamine synapses will need to work harder to compensate for the loss. This can lead to increased responsiveness or sensitivity to dopamine. Therefore, the best choice is D - more responsive.

Question 15

A continuing sensation of an amputated body part is called ____.
A) phantom limb
B) ghost limb
C) neuralgia
D) tingling limb

Accepted Answer

The term "phantom limb" describes the sensation of feeling as if a missing limb is still present. This is a common experience for people who have had amputations. "Ghost limb" is a less commonly used term for the same phenomenon. "Neuralgia" refers to pain in a nerve or nerves, while "tingling limb" is a more general term that could describe a variety of sensations related to the limbs.

Question 16

After damage to a set of axons, neurotrophins induce nearby ____.
A) injured axons to form new branches
B) injured dendrites to form new branches
C) uninjured axons to form new branches
D) uninjured dendrites to form new branches

Accepted Answer

Neurotrophins, which are a family of proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of neurons, can stimulate nearby uninjured axons to form new branches after a set of axons has been damaged. This process helps in neural regeneration and the reestablishment of neural connections.

Question 17

A person with two recessive genes is considered to be ____ for that trait.
A) homozygous
B) heterozygous
C) unitary
D) marginal

Accepted Answer

A person with two recessive genes is considered to be homozygous for that trait. This means that both copies of the gene they inherited from their parents are the same, and both are recessive.

Question 18

Enzymes serve as ____.
A) genetic templates
B) physiological markers of chemical reactions in the body
C) biological catalysts that regulate chemical reactions in the body
D) catalysts for the synthesis of protein molecules

Accepted Answer

Enzymes are biological catalysts that regulate chemical reactions in the body by speeding up the rate at which reactions occur. They are not genetic templates, physiological markers, or catalysts for the synthesis of protein molecules.

Question 19

Diaschisis refers to the ____.
A) increase in activity of neurons surrounding a damaged area
B) decreased activity of surviving neurons after other neurons are damaged
C) increased activity in the cerebral cortex after damage to any part of the brain
D) increased activity in the hypothalamus after damage to any part of the brain

Accepted Answer

Diaschisis refers to a decrease in activity of surviving neurons after other neurons are damaged. It is a phenomenon where there is a temporary or permanent loss of function in brain regions that are remote to the site of injury. This is thought to occur because of the loss of input from the damaged areas, which leads to a decrease in the activity of the surviving neurons.

Question 20

A trait not expressed when combined with a dominant trait is called a(n) ____ trait.
A) nurture
B) recessive
C) dominant
D) homozygous

Accepted Answer

A trait that is not expressed when combined with a dominant trait is referred to as a recessive trait. This trait will only be expressed if an individual has two copies of the recessive allele (homozygous recessive).

Quiz 4: Genetics, Evolution, Development, and Plasticity

A strand of DNA serves as a template (model) for the synthesis of ____.

Chromosomes consist of large, double-stranded molecules of ____.

One way to relieve the pain associated with a phantom limb is to ____.

Heightened sensitivity to a neurotransmitter after the destruction of an incoming axon is known as ____.

What is one impediment to the regeneration of axons in the mammalian central nervous system?

A cortical cell originally responded to stimulation of the middle finger. After amputation of that finger, it begins responding to the second and fourth fingers. Which action most likely accounts for this?

After learning strengthens one set of synapses, other synapses ____.

The results of several studies of facial expressions in people who were born blind suggest ____.

Lola had a stroke several days ago. At this point, which treatment would be most likely to her?

Suppose "A" is a dominant gene for the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and "a" is a recessive gene for the inability to taste it. Which couples could possibly have both a child who tastes it and a child who does not?

Units of heredity that maintain their structural identity from one generation to another are known as ____.

Chemically, what is the route from genes to their expression?

If some of the axons innervating a given cell are destroyed or if they become inactive, what compensatory process takes place in the remaining presynaptic cells?

If most of the axons that transmit dopamine to some brain area die or become inactive, the remaining dopamine synapses become ____.

A continuing sensation of an amputated body part is called ____.

After damage to a set of axons, neurotrophins induce nearby ____.

A person with two recessive genes is considered to be ____ for that trait.

Enzymes serve as ____.

Diaschisis refers to the ____.

A trait not expressed when combined with a dominant trait is called a(n) ____ trait.