Question 1

A part of the promoter, called the TATA box, is said to be highly conserved in evolution. Which of the following might this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

A)  The sequence evolves very rapidly. 
B)  The sequence does not mutate. 
C)  Any mutation in the sequence is selected against. 
D)  The sequence is found in many but not all promoters. 
E)  The sequence is transcribed at the start of every gene. 
A)  The sequence evolves very rapidly. 
B)  The sequence does not mutate. 
C)  Any mutation in the sequence is selected against. 
D)  The sequence is found in many but not all promoters. 
E)  The sequence is transcribed at the start of every gene.

Question 2

In an experimental situation, a student researcher inserts an mRNA molecule into a eukaryotic cell after he has removed its 5' cap and poly-A tail. Which of the following would you expect him to find?

Accepted Answer

A)  The mRNA could not exit the nucleus to be translated. 
B)  The cell recognizes the absence of the tail and polyadenylates the mRNA. 
C)  The molecule is digested by restriction enzymes in the nucleus. 
D)  The molecule is digested by exonucleases since it is no longer protected at the 5' end. 
E)  The molecule attaches to a ribosome and is translated, but more slowly. 
A)  The mRNA could not exit the nucleus to be translated. 
B)  The cell recognizes the absence of the tail and polyadenylates the mRNA. 
C)  The molecule is digested by restriction enzymes in the nucleus. 
D)  The molecule is digested by exonucleases since it is no longer protected at the 5' end. 
E)  The molecule attaches to a ribosome and is translated, but more slowly.

Question 3

Alternative RNA splicing

Accepted Answer

A)  is a mechanism for increasing the rate of transcription. 
B)  can allow the production of proteins of different sizes from a single mRNA. 
C)  can allow the production of similar proteins from different RNAs. 
D)  increases the rate of transcription. 
E)  is due to the presence or absence of particular snRNPs. 
A)  is a mechanism for increasing the rate of transcription. 
B)  can allow the production of proteins of different sizes from a single mRNA. 
C)  can allow the production of similar proteins from different RNAs. 
D)  increases the rate of transcription. 
E)  is due to the presence or absence of particular snRNPs.

Question 4

Suppose that exposure to a chemical mutagen results in a change in the sequence that alters the 5' end of intron 1 (I₁). What might occur?

Accepted Answer

A)  loss of the gene product 
B)  loss of E₁ 
C)  premature stop to the mRNA 
D)  inclusion of I₁ in the mRNA 
E)  exclusion of E₂ 
A)  loss of the gene product 
B)  loss of E₁ 
C)  premature stop to the mRNA 
D)  inclusion of I₁ in the mRNA 
E)  exclusion of E₂

Question 5

In the 1920s Muller discovered that X-rays caused mutation in Drosophila. In a related series of experiments in the 1940s, Charlotte Auerbach discovered that chemicals-she used nitrogen mustards-have a similar effect. A new chemical food additive is developed by a cereal manufacturer. Why do we test for its ability to induce mutation?

Accepted Answer

A)  We worry that it might cause mutation in cereal grain plants. 
B)  We want to make sure that it does not emit radiation. 
C)  We want to be sure that it increases the rate of mutation sufficiently. 
D)  We want to prevent any increase in mutation frequency. 
E)  We worry about its ability to cause infection. 
A)  We worry that it might cause mutation in cereal grain plants. 
B)  We want to make sure that it does not emit radiation. 
C)  We want to be sure that it increases the rate of mutation sufficiently. 
D)  We want to prevent any increase in mutation frequency. 
E)  We worry about its ability to cause infection.

Question 6

In eukaryotes there are several different types of RNA polymerase. Which type is involved in transcription of mRNA for a globin protein?

Accepted Answer

A)  ligase 
B)  RNA polymerase I 
C)  RNA polymerase II 
D)  RNA polymerase III 
E)  primase 
A)  ligase 
B)  RNA polymerase I 
C)  RNA polymerase II 
D)  RNA polymerase III 
E)  primase

Question 7

Use the following model of a eukaryotic transcript to answer the next few questions.
5' UTR E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ UTR 3'
-Which components of the previous molecule will also be found in mRNA in the cytosol?

Accepted Answer

A)  5' UTR I₁ I₂ I₃ UTR 3' 
B)  5' E₁ E₂ E₃ E₄ 3' 
C)  5' UTR E₁ E₂ E₃ E₄ UTR 3' 
D)  5' I₁ I₂ I₃ 3' 
E)  5' E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ 3' 
A)  5' UTR I₁ I₂ I₃ UTR 3' 
B)  5' E₁ E₂ E₃ E₄ 3' 
C)  5' UTR E₁ E₂ E₃ E₄ UTR 3' 
D)  5' I₁ I₂ I₃ 3' 
E)  5' E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ 3'

Question 8

Which of the following is the first event to take place in translation in eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

A)  elongation of the polypeptide 
B)  base pairing of activated methionine-tRNA to AUG of the messenger RNA 
C)  binding of the larger ribosomal subunit to smaller ribosomal subunits 
D)  covalent bonding between the first two amino acids 
E)  the small subunit of the ribosome recognizes and attaches to the 5' cap of mRNA 
A)  elongation of the polypeptide 
B)  base pairing of activated methionine-tRNA to AUG of the messenger RNA 
C)  binding of the larger ribosomal subunit to smaller ribosomal subunits 
D)  covalent bonding between the first two amino acids 
E)  the small subunit of the ribosome recognizes and attaches to the 5' cap of mRNA

Question 9

Use the following information to answer the next few questions.
A transfer RNA (#1) attached to the amino acid lysine enters the ribosome. The lysine binds to the growing polypeptide on the other tRNA (#2) in the ribosome already.
-The anticodon of a particular tRNA molecule is

Accepted Answer

A)  complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon. 
B)  complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA. 
C)  the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid. 
D)  changeable, depending on the amino acid that attaches to the tRNA. 
E)  catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme. 
A)  complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon. 
B)  complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA. 
C)  the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid. 
D)  changeable, depending on the amino acid that attaches to the tRNA. 
E)  catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme.

Question 10

The nitrogenous base adenine is found in all members of which group?

Accepted Answer

A)  proteins, triglycerides, and testosterone 
B)  proteins, ATP, and DNA 
C)  ATP, RNA, and DNA 
D)  α glucose, ATP, and DNA 
E)  proteins, carbohydrates, and ATP 
A)  proteins, triglycerides, and testosterone 
B)  proteins, ATP, and DNA 
C)  ATP, RNA, and DNA 
D)  α glucose, ATP, and DNA 
E)  proteins, carbohydrates, and ATP

Question 11

The most commonly occurring mutation in people with cystic fibrosis is a deletion of a single codon. This results in

Accepted Answer

A)  a base-pair substitution. 
B)  a nucleotide mismatch. 
C)  a frameshift mutation. 
D)  a polypeptide missing an amino acid. 
E)  a nonsense mutation. 
A)  a base-pair substitution. 
B)  a nucleotide mismatch. 
C)  a frameshift mutation. 
D)  a polypeptide missing an amino acid. 
E)  a nonsense mutation.

Question 12

The genetic code is essentially the same for all organisms. From this, one can logically assume which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  A gene from an organism can theoretically be expressed by any other organism. 
B)  All organisms have experienced convergent evolution. 
C)  DNA was the first genetic material. 
D)  The same codons in different organisms translate into the different amino acids. 
E)  Different organisms have different numbers of different types of amino acids. 
A)  A gene from an organism can theoretically be expressed by any other organism. 
B)  All organisms have experienced convergent evolution. 
C)  DNA was the first genetic material. 
D)  The same codons in different organisms translate into the different amino acids. 
E)  Different organisms have different numbers of different types of amino acids.

Question 13

The following questions refer to this table of codons.
  
-What amino acid sequence will be generated, based on the following mRNA codon sequence?
5' AUG-UCU-UCG-UUA-UCC-UUG 3'

Accepted Answer

A)  met-arg-glu-arg-glu-arg 
B)  met-glu-arg-arg-glu-leu 
C)  met-ser-leu-ser-leu-ser 
D)  met-ser-ser-leu-ser-leu 
E)  met-leu-phe-arg-glu-glu 
A)  met-arg-glu-arg-glu-arg 
B)  met-glu-arg-arg-glu-leu 
C)  met-ser-leu-ser-leu-ser 
D)  met-ser-ser-leu-ser-leu 
E)  met-leu-phe-arg-glu-glu

Question 14

The following information should be used for the next few questions.
A part of an mRNA molecule with the following sequence is being read by a ribosome: 5' CCG-ACG 3' (mRNA). The following charged transfer RNA molecules (with their anticodons shown in the 3' to 5' direction) are available. Two of them can correctly match the mRNA so that a dipeptide can form.
  
-The dipeptide that will form will be

Accepted Answer

A)  cysteine-alanine. 
B)  proline-threonine. 
C)  glycine-cysteine. 
D)  alanine-alanine. 
E)  threonine-glycine. 
A)  cysteine-alanine. 
B)  proline-threonine. 
C)  glycine-cysteine. 
D)  alanine-alanine. 
E)  threonine-glycine.

Question 15

When the genome of a particular species is said to include 20,000 protein-coding regions, what does this imply?

Accepted Answer

A)  There are 20,000 genes. 
B)  Each gene codes for one protein. 
C)  Any other regions are "junk" DNA. 
D)  There are also genes for RNAs other than mRNA. 
E)  The species is highly evolved. 
A)  There are 20,000 genes. 
B)  Each gene codes for one protein. 
C)  Any other regions are "junk" DNA. 
D)  There are also genes for RNAs other than mRNA. 
E)  The species is highly evolved.

Question 16

When translating secretory or membrane proteins, ribosomes are directed to the ER membrane by

Accepted Answer

A)  a specific characteristic of the ribosome itself, which distinguishes free ribosomes from bound ribosomes. 
B)  a signal-recognition particle that brings ribosomes to a receptor protein in the ER membrane. 
C)  moving through a specialized channel of the nucleus. 
D)  a chemical signal given off by the ER. 
E)  a signal sequence of RNA that precedes the start codon of the message. 
A)  a specific characteristic of the ribosome itself, which distinguishes free ribosomes from bound ribosomes. 
B)  a signal-recognition particle that brings ribosomes to a receptor protein in the ER membrane. 
C)  moving through a specialized channel of the nucleus. 
D)  a chemical signal given off by the ER. 
E)  a signal sequence of RNA that precedes the start codon of the message.

Question 17

Use the following model of a eukaryotic transcript to answer the next few questions.
5' UTR E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ UTR 3'
-When the spliceosome binds to elements of this structure, where can it attach?

Accepted Answer

A)  to the exons 
B)  to the 5' UTR 
C)  to the 3' UTR 
D)  to an adjacent intron and exon 
E)  to the end of an intron 
A)  to the exons 
B)  to the 5' UTR 
C)  to the 3' UTR 
D)  to an adjacent intron and exon 
E)  to the end of an intron

Question 18

-What type of bonding is responsible for maintaining the shape of the tRNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

A)  covalent bonding between sulfur atoms 
B)  ionic bonding between phosphates 
C)  hydrogen bonding between base pairs 
D)  van der Waals interactions between hydrogen atoms 
E)  peptide bonding between amino acids 
A)  covalent bonding between sulfur atoms 
B)  ionic bonding between phosphates 
C)  hydrogen bonding between base pairs 
D)  van der Waals interactions between hydrogen atoms 
E)  peptide bonding between amino acids

Question 19

Use this representation to answer the following questions.
DNA template strand 5' ____________________________ 3'
DNA complementary strand 3' ____________________________ 5'
-In the transcription event of the previous DNA, where would the promoter be located?

Accepted Answer

A)  at the 3' end of the newly made RNA 
B)  to the right of the template strand 
C)  to the left of the template strand 
D)  to the right of the sense strand 
E)  to the left of the sense strand 
A)  at the 3' end of the newly made RNA 
B)  to the right of the template strand 
C)  to the left of the template strand 
D)  to the right of the sense strand 
E)  to the left of the sense strand

Question 20

Suppose that an induced mutation removes most of the 5' end of the 5' UTR. What might result?

Accepted Answer

A)  Removal of the 5' UTR has no effect because the exons are still maintained. 
B)  Removal of the 5' UTR also removes the 5' cap and the mRNA will quickly degrade. 
C)  The 3' UTR will duplicate and one copy will replace the 5' end. 
D)  The first exon will not be read because I₁ will now serve as the UTR. 
E)  Removal of the 5' UTR will result in the strand not binding to tRNAs. 
A)  Removal of the 5' UTR has no effect because the exons are still maintained. 
B)  Removal of the 5' UTR also removes the 5' cap and the mRNA will quickly degrade. 
C)  The 3' UTR will duplicate and one copy will replace the 5' end. 
D)  The first exon will not be read because I₁ will now serve as the UTR. 
E)  Removal of the 5' UTR will result in the strand not binding to tRNAs.

Exam 17: From Gene to Protein

A part of the promoter, called the TATA box, is said to be highly conserved in evolution. Which of the following might this illustrate?

In an experimental situation, a student researcher inserts an mRNA molecule into a eukaryotic cell after he has removed its 5' cap and poly-A tail. Which of the following would you expect him to find?

Alternative RNA splicing

Suppose that exposure to a chemical mutagen results in a change in the sequence that alters the 5' end of intron 1 (I₁). What might occur?

In eukaryotes there are several different types of RNA polymerase. Which type is involved in transcription of mRNA for a globin protein?

Use the following model of a eukaryotic transcript to answer the next few questions. 5' UTR E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ UTR 3' -Which components of the previous molecule will also be found in mRNA in the cytosol?

Which of the following is the first event to take place in translation in eukaryotes?

Use the following information to answer the next few questions. A transfer RNA (#1) attached to the amino acid lysine enters the ribosome. The lysine binds to the growing polypeptide on the other tRNA (#2) in the ribosome already. -The anticodon of a particular tRNA molecule is

The nitrogenous base adenine is found in all members of which group?

The most commonly occurring mutation in people with cystic fibrosis is a deletion of a single codon. This results in

The genetic code is essentially the same for all organisms. From this, one can logically assume which of the following?

The following questions refer to this table of codons. -What amino acid sequence will be generated, based on the following mRNA codon sequence? 5' AUG-UCU-UCG-UUA-UCC-UUG 3'

When the genome of a particular species is said to include 20,000 protein-coding regions, what does this imply?

When translating secretory or membrane proteins, ribosomes are directed to the ER membrane by

Use the following model of a eukaryotic transcript to answer the next few questions. 5' UTR E₁ I₁ E₂ I₂ E₃ I₃ E₄ UTR 3' -When the spliceosome binds to elements of this structure, where can it attach?

-What type of bonding is responsible for maintaining the shape of the tRNA molecule?

Use this representation to answer the following questions. DNA template strand 5' ____________________________ 3' DNA complementary strand 3' ____________________________ 5' -In the transcription event of the previous DNA, where would the promoter be located?

Suppose that an induced mutation removes most of the 5' end of the 5' UTR. What might result?

Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life

The Chemical Context of Life

Water and Life

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

A Tour of the Cell

Membrane Structure and Function

An Introduction to Metabolism

Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Photosynthesis

Cell Communication

The Cell Cycle

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

Mendel and the Gene Idea

The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Regulation of Gene Expression

Viruses

Biotechnology

Genomes and Their Evolution

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life

The Evolution of Populations

The Origin of Species

The History of Life on Earth

Phylogeny and the Tree of Life

Bacteria and Archaea

Protists

Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land

Plant Diversity II: The Evolution of Seed Plants

Fungi

An Overview of Animal Diversity

An Introduction to Invertebrates

The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants

Soil and Plant Nutrition

Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology

Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals

Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function

Animal Nutrition

Circulation and Gas Exchange

The Immune System

Osmoregulation and Excretion

Hormones and the Endocrine System

Animal Reproduction

Animal Development

Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling

Nervous Systems

Sensory and Motor Mechanisms

Animal Behavior

An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

Population Ecology

Community Ecology

Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology

Conservation Biology and Global Change

Filters

Use this representation to answer the following questions. DNA template strand 5' 3' DNA complementary strand 3' 5' -In the transcription event of the previous DNA, where would the promoter be located?