1.
What makes up RNA?
Correct Answer
C. Nucleic bases
Explanation
RNA is composed of nucleic bases, which are the building blocks of RNA molecules. These nucleic bases include adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). These bases are arranged in a specific sequence to form RNA molecules, which play essential roles in protein synthesis and gene expression. Amino acids, on the other hand, are the building blocks of proteins and are not directly involved in the composition of RNA molecules. Nucleic acids, including RNA, are made up of nucleotides, which consist of a nucleic base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate group. Therefore, the correct answer is nucleic bases.
2.
What are the three forms of RNA?
Correct Answer
mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
Explanation
mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA are the three forms of RNA. mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where it is used as a template for protein synthesis. tRNA (transfer RNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by carrying specific amino acids to the ribosomes. rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is a component of ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. These three forms of RNA work together to ensure the accurate and efficient translation of genetic information into proteins.
3.
What is gene expression?
Correct Answer
protein synthesis
Explanation
Gene expression refers to the process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to create a functional gene product, such as a protein. This involves the transcription of the gene into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated by ribosomes to synthesize a specific protein. Therefore, protein synthesis accurately describes the process of gene expression, where the genetic information is used to produce proteins with specific functions.
4.
What are the two stages of gene expression?
Correct Answer
transcription, translation
Explanation
The two stages of gene expression are transcription and translation. Transcription is the process in which the DNA sequence is copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This occurs in the nucleus of the cell. Translation is the process in which the mRNA molecule is used as a template to synthesize a specific protein. This occurs in the ribosomes in the cytoplasm of the cell. Together, transcription and translation are essential steps in the central dogma of molecular biology, where genetic information is converted into functional proteins.
5.
An mRNA strand is being matched up to a DNA strand inside the nucleus. What is this stage of gene expression called?
Correct Answer
transcription
Explanation
This stage of gene expression is called transcription. Transcription is the process in which the DNA sequence is copied into a complementary RNA molecule, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), inside the nucleus. This mRNA molecule will then be used as a template to synthesize proteins during translation.
6.
Why must transcription take place?
7.
What enzyme helps with transcription?
Correct Answer
RNA polyremase
Explanation
RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for transcription, which is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It binds to the DNA molecule and unwinds the double helix, allowing one of the DNA strands to be used as a template for RNA synthesis. RNA polymerase adds complementary RNA nucleotides to the growing RNA chain, following the base pairing rules. This enzyme plays a crucial role in gene expression by transcribing the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA molecules, which can then be used to produce proteins.
8.
How many bases (nucleotides) code for one amino acid?
Correct Answer
3
three
Explanation
Each amino acid is coded by a sequence of three nucleotides called a codon. Therefore, three bases (nucleotides) are needed to code for one amino acid. This is a fundamental concept in molecular biology known as the genetic code.
9.
What is a 3-nucleotide code on mRNA called?
Correct Answer
codon
Explanation
A 3-nucleotide code on mRNA is called a codon. Codons are responsible for carrying the genetic information that determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein during the process of protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a start/stop signal. The correct answer is codon.
10.
What is the 3-antinucleotide code on tRNA called?
Correct Answer
anticodon
Explanation
The 3-antinucleotide code on tRNA is called the anticodon. The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that is complementary to a specific codon on mRNA during protein synthesis. It helps in ensuring the correct pairing of codons and anticodons, which is essential for the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins.
11.
Transcribe the following DNA strand. (no spaces,add slashes, like below)AAC/TTA/AAA/GGC
Correct Answer
uug/aau/uuu/ccg
UUG/AAU/UUU/CCG
Explanation
The correct answer is "uug/aau/uuu/ccg, UUG/AAU/UUU/CCG". The question asks to transcribe the given DNA strand, which means converting the DNA sequence into its corresponding RNA sequence. In RNA, the nucleotide "T" is replaced with "U". Therefore, the correct transcription of the DNA strand "AAC/TTA/AAA/GGC" is "uug/aau/uuu/ccg". The second part of the answer, "UUG/AAU/UUU/CCG", is the same sequence but written in uppercase letters.
12.
The following mRNA strand codes for 4 amino acids.AAUUUGCCGUUU
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given mRNA strand codes for 4 amino acids because each codon in the mRNA sequence corresponds to a specific amino acid. In this case, the mRNA sequence contains 12 nucleotides, which can be divided into 4 codons (AAU, UUG, CCG, UUU). Each codon codes for a specific amino acid, resulting in the production of 4 amino acids. Therefore, the statement is true.
13.
What are proteins made of?
Correct Answer
amino acids
Explanation
Proteins are made up of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they are linked together in a specific sequence to form a protein. Each amino acid has a unique side chain and a central carbon atom, which is bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydrogen atom. The sequence and arrangement of amino acids determine the structure and function of the protein. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is amino acids.
14.
Where do cells get amino acids with which to build the proteins that they need?
Correct Answer
B. Food
Explanation
Cells obtain amino acids from the food they consume. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and cells require proteins for various functions such as growth, repair, and maintenance. When we consume food, our digestive system breaks down proteins into amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells throughout the body. Once inside the cell, these amino acids are utilized to synthesize the specific proteins that the cell needs for its functioning. Therefore, food serves as the source of amino acids for cells to build the proteins they require.
15.
Where does protein synthesis take place?
Correct Answer
ribosome
Explanation
Protein synthesis takes place in the ribosome. The ribosome is a cellular structure composed of RNA and proteins. It is responsible for assembling amino acids into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. The ribosome reads the genetic information stored in messenger RNA (mRNA) and translates it into a specific sequence of amino acids. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell, where ribosomes are found either floating freely or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
16.
The decoding of mRNA into a protein is called what?
Correct Answer
translation
Explanation
Translation is the process by which the genetic information carried by mRNA is decoded and used to synthesize proteins. During translation, ribosomes bind to the mRNA molecule and read the sequence of codons, which are three-nucleotide sequences that correspond to specific amino acids. The ribosomes then assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain, which will eventually fold into a functional protein. Therefore, translation is the correct term to describe the decoding of mRNA into a protein.
17.
What nucleic acid is linked to the term: codon?
Correct Answer
mRNA
Explanation
A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies the incorporation of a specific amino acid during protein synthesis. Therefore, mRNA is the nucleic acid that is directly linked to the term "codon" as it carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs.
18.
What is another name for protein?
Correct Answer
polypeptide
Explanation
Protein is also known as a polypeptide. A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins are essential macromolecules that play a crucial role in various biological processes. They are involved in structural support, enzymatic reactions, transportation, and cell signaling, among other functions. Therefore, polypeptide is an alternative term used to refer to proteins.
19.
Which amino acid is the start code?
Correct Answer
C. Methionine
Explanation
Methionine is the start codon, which means it is the amino acid that signals the beginning of protein synthesis. It is the first amino acid incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain during translation. Methionine is encoded by the start codon AUG and is essential for the proper initiation of protein synthesis.
20.
How is RNA different from DNA?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Has single strand
D. Is located in and out of nucleus
F. Has uracil
Explanation
RNA is different from DNA in several ways. Firstly, RNA has a single strand, whereas DNA has a double helix structure. Additionally, RNA is located both inside and outside the nucleus, while DNA is primarily located in the nucleus. Another difference is that RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, whereas DNA contains thymine. Lastly, RNA is referred to as RNA because it contains an "R" instead of a "D" in its name.
21.
This nucleic acid makes up the ribosome's structure
Correct Answer(s)
rRNA
Explanation
rRNA, or ribosomal RNA, is the correct answer because it is the nucleic acid that forms the structural component of ribosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in cells, and rRNA plays a crucial role in this process by providing a framework for the assembly of proteins. It helps in the binding of mRNA and tRNA during translation, facilitating the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Therefore, rRNA is an essential component of ribosomes and is necessary for their proper functioning in protein synthesis.
22.
This nucleic acid brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein making
Correct Answer(s)
tRNA
Explanation
tRNA, also known as transfer RNA, is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. It acts as a translator between the nucleotide sequence of mRNA and the amino acid sequence of a protein. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that matches the codon on mRNA. This allows tRNA to recognize and bind to the correct codon on mRNA, bringing the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome. This process ensures that the correct sequence of amino acids is incorporated into the growing protein chain.
23.
This nucleic acid brings instructions from inside the nucleus to the ribosome
Correct Answer(s)
mRNA
Explanation
mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of nucleic acid that carries genetic instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm. It serves as an intermediary molecule that transcribes the genetic code from DNA and translates it into proteins during the process of protein synthesis. mRNA acts as a messenger, delivering the instructions encoded in the DNA to the ribosome, where the proteins are synthesized. This process is essential for the proper functioning and regulation of cellular processes.
24.
This nucleic acid has instructions for gene expression.
Correct Answer(s)
DNA
Explanation
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the correct answer because it contains the instructions for gene expression. DNA is a long molecule made up of nucleotides, and it carries the genetic information that determines the characteristics and functions of living organisms. Through a process called transcription, DNA provides the instructions for the synthesis of RNA molecules, which then participate in the process of protein synthesis and gene expression. Therefore, DNA is essential for the transmission and expression of genetic information in all living organisms.
25.
A segment on DNA that gives a code for protein making on DNA is also called a(n):
Correct Answer(s)
exon
Explanation
An exon is a segment on DNA that contains the coding information for protein synthesis. During the process of gene expression, exons are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. They are the coding regions of a gene and are separated by introns, which are non-coding regions. Exons play a crucial role in determining the structure and function of proteins, as they contain the necessary instructions for the amino acid sequence that makes up a protein.
26.
A segment on DNA that does not give a code for protein making is also called a(n):
Correct Answer(s)
intron
Explanation
An intron is a segment on DNA that does not give a code for protein making. It is a non-coding region that is transcribed into RNA but is later removed during the process of gene expression. Introns are found in eukaryotic organisms and are important for regulating gene expression and increasing genetic diversity. They are spliced out of the pre-mRNA molecule before it is translated into a protein.