Biology
Molecular Genetics
917 Questions
Molecular genetics explores the mechanisms of genetic information transfer, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation. It is a core component of biology syllabi. These concepts frequently appear in general science sections of major competitive exams.
DNA replicationTranscription processTranslation processRNA typesCentral dogma
Molecular Genetics Questions
What is the term for the process of modifying proteins after they have been synthesized?
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Post-translational modification
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Gene expression
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Protein synthesis
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Protein degradation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Post-translational modification is the process of modifying proteins after they have been synthesized. This can involve adding or removing chemical groups, cleaving the protein into smaller fragments, or changing the protein's conformation.
What is the function of RNA?
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To store genetic information
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To carry genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm
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To help in the synthesis of proteins
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
RNA has all of the functions listed above.
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
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DNA makes RNA makes protein
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RNA makes DNA makes protein
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Protein makes DNA makes RNA
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Protein makes RNA makes DNA
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA makes RNA makes protein.
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A region of DNA that codes for a protein
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A region of DNA that codes for an RNA molecule
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A region of DNA that codes for a polysaccharide
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A region of DNA that codes for a lipid
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A gene is a region of DNA that codes for a protein.
Which of the following is the process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule?
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Transcription
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Translation
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Replication
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Mutation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Transcription is the process by which an RNA molecule is synthesized from a DNA template. It is carried out by an enzyme called RNA polymerase.
What is the term for the process by which the genetic information in an mRNA molecule is used to direct the synthesis of a protein?
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Transcription
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Translation
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Replication
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Mutation
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Translation is the process by which the genetic information in an mRNA molecule is used to direct the synthesis of a protein. It is carried out by ribosomes, which are cellular structures composed of RNA and protein.
What is the name of the region of DNA that serves as the template for transcription?
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Promoter
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Exon
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Intron
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Terminator
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The promoter is the region of DNA that serves as the template for transcription. It is located upstream of the transcription start site and contains specific sequences that are recognized by RNA polymerase.
Which of the following is the name of the enzyme that catalyzes the polymerization of RNA during transcription?
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DNA polymerase
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RNA polymerase
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Reverse transcriptase
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Ligase
B
Correct answer
Explanation
RNA polymerase is the enzyme that catalyzes the polymerization of RNA during transcription. It is a multi-subunit enzyme that recognizes the promoter region of DNA and synthesizes an RNA molecule complementary to the DNA template.
What is the term for the process by which a gene is turned on or off?
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Transcription
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Translation
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Gene regulation
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Mutation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gene regulation is the process by which a gene is turned on or off. It can occur at various stages, including transcription, translation, and post-translational modification.
Which of the following is an example of a transcription factor?
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RNA polymerase
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Histones
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Enhancers
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Promoters
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Enhancers are an example of transcription factors. They are DNA sequences that bind to transcription factors and help to increase the rate of transcription.
What is the name of the process by which a cell uses a small RNA molecule to silence the expression of a specific gene?
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Transcription
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Translation
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RNA interference
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Gene regulation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
RNA interference is the process by which a cell uses a small RNA molecule to silence the expression of a specific gene. It is a powerful tool for studying gene function and has potential therapeutic applications.
Which of the following is an example of a post-translational modification?
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Phosphorylation
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Acetylation
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Methylation
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Ubiquitination
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the options are examples of post-translational modifications. These modifications can alter the activity, stability, or localization of proteins.
What is the name of the process by which a cell uses a small molecule to inhibit the expression of a specific gene?
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Transcriptional interference
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Translational interference
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Gene silencing
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RNA interference
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gene silencing is the process by which a cell uses a small molecule to inhibit the expression of a specific gene. It is a powerful tool for studying gene function and has potential therapeutic applications.
Which of the following is an example of a gene that is regulated by alternative splicing?
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Fibronectin
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Troponin
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Calcitonin
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the options are examples of genes that are regulated by alternative splicing. Alternative splicing is a process by which different exons of a gene can be spliced together to produce different protein isoforms.
What is the term for the process by which a cell uses a small RNA molecule to activate the expression of a specific gene?
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Transcriptional activation
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Translational activation
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Gene activation
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RNA activation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gene activation is the process by which a cell uses a small RNA molecule to activate the expression of a specific gene. It is a powerful tool for studying gene function and has potential therapeutic applications.