Question 1

In RNA translation

Accepted Answer

A)  codons are read from the 5' end. 
B)  codons are read from the 3' end. 
C)  the first codon in the sequence is UAG. 
D)  silent letters punctuate the codons. 
E)  codons are read from the C terminal to the N terminal. 
A)  codons are read from the 5' end. 
B)  codons are read from the 3' end. 
C)  the first codon in the sequence is UAG. 
D)  silent letters punctuate the codons. 
E)  codons are read from the C terminal to the N terminal. A

Question 2

An example of a frameshift mutation is when

Accepted Answer

A)  a nucleotide is added to an ORF resulting in a nonsense mutation. 
B)  a nucleotide is lost from an ORF resulting in a nonsense mutation. 
C)  an altered protein is produced as a result of a missense mutation. 
D)  two nucleotides are added to an ORF changing the function of the protein product. 
E)  All of the answers are correct. 
A)  a nucleotide is added to an ORF resulting in a nonsense mutation. 
B)  a nucleotide is lost from an ORF resulting in a nonsense mutation. 
C)  an altered protein is produced as a result of a missense mutation. 
D)  two nucleotides are added to an ORF changing the function of the protein product. 
E)  All of the answers are correct. D

Question 3

Transcription of RNA from a DNA template is similar to replication of the DNA, in that

Accepted Answer

A)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction. 
B)  the newly synthesised strand is complementary to the template. 
C)  synthesis is semiconservative. 
D)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction and the newly synthesised strand is complementary to the template. 
E)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction and synthesis is semiconservative. 
A)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction. 
B)  the newly synthesised strand is complementary to the template. 
C)  synthesis is semiconservative. 
D)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction and the newly synthesised strand is complementary to the template. 
E)  growth of the synthesised strand occurs in a 3' to 5' direction and synthesis is semiconservative. D

Question 4

Which of the following statements in relation to signal sequences is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A)  The signal sequence binds the Signal Recognition Protein. 
B)  The bound signal sequence docks with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. 
C)  Signal sequences are at the C-terminus end of a protein. 
D)  Signal sequences are short (5-30aa) peptides. 
E)  A signal sequence embedded in the rough endoplasmic reticulum is not always cleaved from a synthesised protein. 
A)  The signal sequence binds the Signal Recognition Protein. 
B)  The bound signal sequence docks with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. 
C)  Signal sequences are at the C-terminus end of a protein. 
D)  Signal sequences are short (5-30aa) peptides. 
E)  A signal sequence embedded in the rough endoplasmic reticulum is not always cleaved from a synthesised protein.

Question 5

Splicing is

Accepted Answer

A)  the processing of a primary mRNA transcript to remove introns. 
B)  the processing of a primary mRNA transcript to remove exons. 
C)  the DNA directed copying of an open reading frame to produce an mRNA. 
D)  the translocation of the mature mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. 
E)  the process by which the open reading frame of a gene is transcribed into an mRNA. 
A)  the processing of a primary mRNA transcript to remove introns. 
B)  the processing of a primary mRNA transcript to remove exons. 
C)  the DNA directed copying of an open reading frame to produce an mRNA. 
D)  the translocation of the mature mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. 
E)  the process by which the open reading frame of a gene is transcribed into an mRNA.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about post-transcription processing of mRNA in eukaryotes is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A)  snRNPs act to remove exons from RNA. 
B)  Splicing may take place to remove introns. 
C)  The promoter is found adjacent to the poly-A site. 
D)  All mRNA primary transcripts self-fold to facilitate splicing. 
E)  processing of mRNA occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. 
A)  snRNPs act to remove exons from RNA. 
B)  Splicing may take place to remove introns. 
C)  The promoter is found adjacent to the poly-A site. 
D)  All mRNA primary transcripts self-fold to facilitate splicing. 
E)  processing of mRNA occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Question 7

Two synonymous codons are specific for histidine. If the last base of one of these codons was changed to a different nucleotide, what could be the outcome?

Accepted Answer

A)  There would be a frameshift mutation. 
B)  The codon would specify an amino acid other than histidine. 
C)  Because of degeneracy, the codon would still specify for histidine. 
D)  The codon could still be specific for histidine, or it could be specific for a different amino acid. 
E)  It would result in a 'nonsense' codon that did not specify any amino acid. 
A)  There would be a frameshift mutation. 
B)  The codon would specify an amino acid other than histidine. 
C)  Because of degeneracy, the codon would still specify for histidine. 
D)  The codon could still be specific for histidine, or it could be specific for a different amino acid. 
E)  It would result in a 'nonsense' codon that did not specify any amino acid.

Question 8

Why is there NOT a one-to-one correlation between the genetic code and amino acids?

Accepted Answer

A)  Because there are 20 amino acids but only 4 nucleotide bases. 
B)  Because the genetic code includes uracil in mRNA. 
C)  Because not all proteins contain all amino acids. 
D)  Because unlike DNA, there are not equal proportions of some amino acids to others. 
E)  Because transcription occurs inside the nucleus, whereas translation occurs in the cytoplasm. 
A)  Because there are 20 amino acids but only 4 nucleotide bases. 
B)  Because the genetic code includes uracil in mRNA. 
C)  Because not all proteins contain all amino acids. 
D)  Because unlike DNA, there are not equal proportions of some amino acids to others. 
E)  Because transcription occurs inside the nucleus, whereas translation occurs in the cytoplasm.

Question 9

The genetic code is described as unambiguous because

Accepted Answer

A)  each amino acid is specified by only one codon. 
B)  each codon specifies only one amino acid. 
C)  each protein is initiated by a specific promoter. 
D)  AUG is always the START codon. 
E)  one gene always equals one protein. 
A)  each amino acid is specified by only one codon. 
B)  each codon specifies only one amino acid. 
C)  each protein is initiated by a specific promoter. 
D)  AUG is always the START codon. 
E)  one gene always equals one protein.

Question 10

The formation of the initiation complex in protein synthesis does NOT involve

Accepted Answer

A)  one small and one large ribosomal subunit. 
B)  binding of an uncharged tRNA at the initiation codon. 
C)  N-formyl methionine-charged tRNA. 
D)  a set of initiator proteins. 
E)  the formation of two tRNA binding sites. 
A)  one small and one large ribosomal subunit. 
B)  binding of an uncharged tRNA at the initiation codon. 
C)  N-formyl methionine-charged tRNA. 
D)  a set of initiator proteins. 
E)  the formation of two tRNA binding sites.

Question 11

A transcription unit is

Accepted Answer

A)  the gene being transcribed. 
B)  the region of DNA between the promoter and the termination sequence of a gene. 
C)  the final mRNA species exported from the nucleus for protein production. 
D)  the region where the transcription factor binds to initiate transcription. 
E)  the open reading frame of a gene. 
A)  the gene being transcribed. 
B)  the region of DNA between the promoter and the termination sequence of a gene. 
C)  the final mRNA species exported from the nucleus for protein production. 
D)  the region where the transcription factor binds to initiate transcription. 
E)  the open reading frame of a gene.

Question 12

In eukaryotes, transcription of chromosomal DNA

Accepted Answer

A)  occurs in the ribosome. 
B)  involves three different RNA polymerases. 
C)  is initiated by a primer. 
D)  starts at the origin. 
E)  is synthesised in the 3' to 5' direction. 
A)  occurs in the ribosome. 
B)  involves three different RNA polymerases. 
C)  is initiated by a primer. 
D)  starts at the origin. 
E)  is synthesised in the 3' to 5' direction.

Question 13

The elongation phase of polypeptide assembly is a repetitive process that includes the

Accepted Answer

A)  formation of sequential peptide bonds. 
B)  catalysis of peptide bond formation by peptidyl transferase. 
C)  translocation of a tRNA molecule from the A site to the P site after peptide bond formation. 
D)  recognition of the codon in the mRNA by the specific tRNA by complementary base pairing. 
E)  All of the answers are correct. 
A)  formation of sequential peptide bonds. 
B)  catalysis of peptide bond formation by peptidyl transferase. 
C)  translocation of a tRNA molecule from the A site to the P site after peptide bond formation. 
D)  recognition of the codon in the mRNA by the specific tRNA by complementary base pairing. 
E)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 14

Gene expression requires that

Accepted Answer

A)  DNA is transcribed into mRNA. 
B)  mRNA is translated to produce a polypeptide. 
C)  information coded by DNA is accurately transferred into an amino acid sequence. 
D)  mRNA is a carrier of the correct information from DNA. 
E)  All of the answers are correct. 
A)  DNA is transcribed into mRNA. 
B)  mRNA is translated to produce a polypeptide. 
C)  information coded by DNA is accurately transferred into an amino acid sequence. 
D)  mRNA is a carrier of the correct information from DNA. 
E)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 15

A DNA strand has the sequence of GCC CGG TAT TAA. What is the complimentary RNA transcript?

Accepted Answer

A)  GCC CGG TAT TAA. 
B)  CGG GCC UTU TUU. 
C)  CGG GCC ATA ATT. 
D)  CGG GCC AUA AUU. 
E)  GCC CGG TUT TUU. 
A)  GCC CGG TAT TAA. 
B)  CGG GCC UTU TUU. 
C)  CGG GCC ATA ATT. 
D)  CGG GCC AUA AUU. 
E)  GCC CGG TUT TUU.

Question 16

A section of coding sequence of DNA is comprised of 27 bases. How many amino acids would this be translated into?

Accepted Answer

A)  27 
B)  13 
C)  14 
D)  54 
E)  9 
A)  27 
B)  13 
C)  14 
D)  54 
E)  9

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT involved in the termination of protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

A)  A stop tRNA binds to the A site. 
B)  The aminoacyl bond between the polypeptide chain and the peptidyl-tRNA in the P site is hydrolysed by termination factors. 
C)  The arrival of a stop codon on the mRNA. 
D)  An empty P site causes the ribosome to dissociate from the mRNA. 
E)  The small and large ribosome subunits dissociate from each other and are recycled for future protein synthesis. 
A)  A stop tRNA binds to the A site. 
B)  The aminoacyl bond between the polypeptide chain and the peptidyl-tRNA in the P site is hydrolysed by termination factors. 
C)  The arrival of a stop codon on the mRNA. 
D)  An empty P site causes the ribosome to dissociate from the mRNA. 
E)  The small and large ribosome subunits dissociate from each other and are recycled for future protein synthesis.

Question 18

Protein synthesis differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Which of the following statements about these differences is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A)  Many bacterial mRNA transcripts contain more than one polypeptide coding region while eukaryotic mRNAs usually code for only one protein. 
B)  Prokaryotic mRNA is translated while being transcribed; eukaryotic mRNA requires processing before translation. 
C)  Eukaryotic mRNA when transcribed contains long sequences of nucleotides that are not translated; in prokaryotes all the transcribed mRNA is translated. 
D)  Many antibiotics specifically target bacterial protein synthesis, but have no effect on eukaryote protein synthesis. 
E)  Prokaryotic ribosomes attach to the mRNA during translation and so do not require the A site for aminoacyl-tRNA binding as is present on the ribosome of eukaryotic cells. 
A)  Many bacterial mRNA transcripts contain more than one polypeptide coding region while eukaryotic mRNAs usually code for only one protein. 
B)  Prokaryotic mRNA is translated while being transcribed; eukaryotic mRNA requires processing before translation. 
C)  Eukaryotic mRNA when transcribed contains long sequences of nucleotides that are not translated; in prokaryotes all the transcribed mRNA is translated. 
D)  Many antibiotics specifically target bacterial protein synthesis, but have no effect on eukaryote protein synthesis. 
E)  Prokaryotic ribosomes attach to the mRNA during translation and so do not require the A site for aminoacyl-tRNA binding as is present on the ribosome of eukaryotic cells.

Question 19

Transcription of RNA from DNA

Accepted Answer

A)  requires a primer. 
B)  requires DNA polymerase. 
C)  requires RNA polymerase. 
D)  requires DNA helicase. 
E)  begins from the start codon. 
A)  requires a primer. 
B)  requires DNA polymerase. 
C)  requires RNA polymerase. 
D)  requires DNA helicase. 
E)  begins from the start codon.

Question 20

Initial transcription of the DNA template in eukaryotes

Accepted Answer

A)  only transcribes the exons. 
B)  is mediated by DNA polymerase. 
C)  is mediated by RNA polymerase. 
D)  occurs in the ribosomes. 
E)  requires a primer. 
A)  only transcribes the exons. 
B)  is mediated by DNA polymerase. 
C)  is mediated by RNA polymerase. 
D)  occurs in the ribosomes. 
E)  requires a primer.

Exam 11: The Genetic Code

In RNA translation

An example of a frameshift mutation is when

Transcription of RNA from a DNA template is similar to replication of the DNA, in that

Which of the following statements in relation to signal sequences is INCORRECT?

Splicing is

Which of the following statements about post-transcription processing of mRNA in eukaryotes is CORRECT?

Two synonymous codons are specific for histidine. If the last base of one of these codons was changed to a different nucleotide, what could be the outcome?

Why is there NOT a one-to-one correlation between the genetic code and amino acids?

The genetic code is described as unambiguous because

The formation of the initiation complex in protein synthesis does NOT involve

A transcription unit is

In eukaryotes, transcription of chromosomal DNA

The elongation phase of polypeptide assembly is a repetitive process that includes the

Gene expression requires that

A DNA strand has the sequence of GCC CGG TAT TAA. What is the complimentary RNA transcript?

A section of coding sequence of DNA is comprised of 27 bases. How many amino acids would this be translated into?

Which of the following is NOT involved in the termination of protein synthesis?

Protein synthesis differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Which of the following statements about these differences is INCORRECT?

Transcription of RNA from DNA

Initial transcription of the DNA template in eukaryotes

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