Transcription, Translation, Mutations and Gene Regulation Test
1. Transcription is the process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is transferred to
a. DNA
b. RNA
c. Ribosome
d. Nucleus
2. In translation, three nucleotide bases code for a specific amino acid. These three bases are
referred to as a(an)
a. Message
b. Codon
c. Anticodon
d. Mutation
3. The end result of translation is a(an)
a. DNA molecule
b. RNA molecule
c. Protein
d. Nucleic acid
4. A mutation is least likely to affect a cell when the mutation —
a. reverses the order of bases in a DNA strand
b. allows the total number of bases in a DNA sequence to remain the same
c. replaces a base with its complementary base
d. produces a triplet that codes for the same amino acid as the original triplet
5. Sickle-shaped red blood cells result from a mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin. This
mutation results in sickle-cell anemia. A partial sequence of bases from a normal hemoglobin
gene and a sequence that results in sickle-cell anemia are shown below.
Normal hemoglobin:
T-G-A-G-G-T-C-T-C-C-T-C
Sickle-cell hemoglobin: T-G-A-G-G-T-C-A-C-C-T-C
What type of mutation is depicted in this sequence?
a. Substitution
b. Insertion
c. Deletion
d. Frameshift
6. What type of mutation is shown below?
Original DNA: C-C-G-A-T-T-A-C-G-G-C-T-A
a.
b.
c.
d.
Mutated DNA: C-C-G-A-T-T-A-A-C-G-G-C-T-A
Substitution
Insertion
Deletion
Inversion
7. Which of the following polypeptides is coded for by the mRNA sequence
5’AUGGUUAAACGACAAUCC3’?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Val, Lys, Phe, Gly, Ser
Met, Asp, Phe, Ala, Arg
Met, Val, Lys, Arg, Gln, Ser
Ile, Gln, Lys, Asp, Gly, Leu, Ser
8. In prokaryotes, genes with a specific function are grouped together and can be turned on or off
in one step. This group of genes is referred to as a(an)
a. Primary transcript
b. Codon
c. Anticodon
d. Operon
9. A codon chart is shown below.
Which of these changes to the DNA triplet 3’ GCT 5’ will affect the protein produced?
a. GTT
b. TCC
c. TCT
d. GCA
10. A section of a nucleic acid is shown below.
The process represented in the diagram produces a molecule that is complementary to the
template strand of DNA. What type of molecule is produced?
a. New DNA
b. Polypeptide
c. Messenger RNA
d. Carbohydrate
11. In RNA processing, parts of the mRNA strand are removed because they do not code for
proteins. What is the structure that is labeled X?
a. exon
b. interferon
c. intron
d. operon
12. What molecule is shown above?
a. mRNA
b. tRNA
c. rRNA
d. codon
13. What is the structure that is labeled by an X?
a. amino acid
b. codon
c. anticodon
d. polypeptide
14. What is the function of mRNA in the diagram above?
a. carrying the genetic message from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes
b. providing the energy for the duplication of cells
c. preventing mutations in the genetic code
d. storing food material for keeping cells alive
15. RNA differs from DNA in that RNA
a. RNA is double stranded
b. RNA contains a different sugar
c. RNA contains thymine
d. RNA is only found in the nucleus
16. What is the purpose of this process?
a. to create polypeptides and, eventually, proteins for gene expression
b. to copy original DNA strands into complementary strands
c. to generate and release energy producing compounds (ATP)
d. to regulate the internal environment of the cell
17. Cri du Chat is a serious genetic disorder resulting in small birth weight, respiratory problems,
and a poorly developed larynx which causes a catlike cry in infants. Analyzing the chromosomes
in the diagram indicates that CriduChat is caused by—
a. addition of extra nucleotides on the p arm of chromosome 5
b. exchange of genes from the crossing over of chromosome 5 p arms
c. loss of several genes on the p arm of chromosome 5
d. loss of genes on the q arm of chromosome 5
18. The type of bonds represented by the vertical lines (II and III) above are called
a. Covalent bonds
b. Ionic bonds
c. Hydrogen bonds
d. Peptide bonds
19. Which of the following describes a role that ribosomes assume in the production of proteins?
a. Transports nutrients from inside the cell to the cell membrane to be used in making
proteins.
b. Produces energy for the cell to use during protein synthesis.
c. Translates mRNA into a specific amino acid chain.
d. Rids the cell of leftover amino acids once proteins have been synthesized.
20. Mutated DNA in somatic cells occurs frequently but this modified DNA cannot be passed along
to offspring because—
a. modified DNA in somatic cells is recessive
b. offspring typically reject modified DNA
c. only gamete cells carry genetic material to offspring
d. offspring mutations happen only when somatic cells are diseased