Molecular Genetics Chapter Test 2024

Front

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

Back

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein: DNA -> messenger RNA -> transfer RNA -> protein.

Front

How many amino acids are coded for by a sequence of nucleotides?

Back

Each amino acid is coded by a sequence of three nucleotides (a codon). Therefore, the number of amino acids coded for by a sequence of nucleotides can be calculated by dividing the total number of nucleotides by three.

Front

What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

Back

Transfer RNA (tRNA) delivers specific amino acids to the ribosome, matching the amino acids to the corresponding codons on the messenger RNA (mRNA).

Front

What amino acid does the mRNA codon AUG code for?

Back

The mRNA codon AUG codes for the amino acid Methionine (Met), which is also the start codon for protein synthesis.

Front

What macromolecule does DNA provide instructions to make?

Back

DNA provides the instructions to make proteins, which are essential macromolecules for various functions in living organisms.

Front

Define a codon.

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs; they read the sequence of mRNA and facilitate the assembly of amino acids into polypeptides.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose.

Front

What is the process of transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process by which the information in a segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Front

What is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in protein synthesis?

Back

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.