Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major characteristics that a molecule must exhibit to serve as genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Ability to catalyze metabolic reactions

Question 2

In the Hershey-Chase experiment, which radioactive isotope was used to label DNA, and what was the key finding?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus-32 ($$^{32}P$$); DNA, not protein, enters the bacterial cell and directs viral reproduction

Question 3

Which experiment provided the first direct experimental proof that DNA is the biomolecule responsible for heredity?

Accepted Answer

Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty's transformation experiment

Question 4

A mutation occurs in the DNA of a gamete. Which of the following best describes the potential consequence of this mutation?

Accepted Answer

The mutation can be passed to future generations and may contribute to evolution.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the central dogma of molecular genetics is correct?

Accepted Answer

It describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why many geneticists initially favored proteins over DNA as the genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Proteins have greater chemical diversity and abundance in cells compared to DNA.

Question 7

Which of the following is a direct piece of evidence supporting DNA as the genetic material in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

DNA is only found where primary genetic functions occur, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

Question 8

A scientist creates a recombinant DNA molecule by splicing a human gene into bacterial DNA. Which process allows the bacteria to produce the human protein encoded by this gene?

Accepted Answer

The recombinant DNA is introduced into bacteria, which then transcribe and translate the human gene to produce the protein.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses?

Accepted Answer

It synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

Question 10

Which of the following correctly matches the nitrogenous base with the type of nucleic acid in which it is found?

Accepted Answer

Thymine is found in DNA, while uracil is found in RNA.

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the inheritance of this disorder?

Accepted Answer

The disorder is likely to be inherited maternally, as mitochondria are passed from mother to offspring.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why DNA, and not protein, is considered the genetic material in most organisms?

Accepted Answer

DNA is present only in locations where genetic functions occur, and experiments have shown it directs heredity.

Question 13

Which of the following is a pyrimidine base found only in RNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Question 14

A mutation in a gene leads to a change in the amino acid sequence of a protein. Which process is directly responsible for converting the mutated DNA sequence into a protein?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between deoxyribose and ribose sugars in nucleic acids?

Accepted Answer

Deoxyribose lacks an oxygen atom at the 2' carbon compared to ribose.

Question 16

Which of the following equations correctly represents the central dogma of molecular genetics?

Accepted Answer

$$DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein$$

Question 17

A scientist is studying a virus that uses RNA as its genetic material and synthesizes DNA in the host cell. Which enzyme is most likely involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Reverse transcriptase

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the outcome of Griffith's experiment with Diplococcus pneumoniae?

Accepted Answer

A non-virulent strain became virulent when mixed with heat-killed virulent bacteria, suggesting a 'transforming principle.'

Question 19

Which of the following is a purine base found in both DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

Adenine

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the significance of genetic variation in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection and evolutionary change.

Lecture slide chapter 9

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards