Exploring Genetics and Molecular Biology

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in molecular biology?

• To increase the size of DNA fragments

• To separate DNA fragments based on their size

• To create DNA fragments

• To visualize proteins only

Phosphates have a negative charge. Which part of the DNA molecule causes it to move towards the positive electrode during gel electrophoresis?

• Phosphate backbone

• Deoxyribose sugar

• Nitrogenous bases

• Hydrogen bonds

What is a taster gene?

• A gene that determines an individual's preference for sweet tastes

• A gene that is responsible for the ability to taste certain bitter compounds

• A gene that enhances the taste of salty foods

• A gene that suppresses the sense of taste

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

What is a nontaster allele?

• An allele that increases sensitivity to bitter tastes

• An allele that has no effect on taste

• An allele associated with the inability to taste certain bitter compounds

• An allele that makes all foods taste sweet

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

During gel electrophoresis, why do smaller DNA fragments move faster than larger ones?

• Smaller fragments are negatively charged

• Smaller fragments are positively charged

• Smaller fragments encounter less resistance in the gel matrix

• Larger fragments are attracted to the negative electrode

What is the main reason DNA molecules move through the gel during electrophoresis?

• Gravity

• Magnetic field

• Electric current

• Thermal convection

What does a pedigree chart show?

• The evolutionary history of a species

• The life cycle of an organism

• The inheritance of a trait through several generations

• The genetic diversity within a population

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

In a pedigree chart, what does a square typically represent?

• A female individual

• A male individual

• A marriage or mating

• An offspring

Why are DNA fragments negatively charged, allowing them to move towards the positive electrode during electrophoresis?

• Because of the negative charge of the nitrogenous bases

• Because of the negative charge of the phosphate groups in the DNA backbone

• Because of the negative charge of the deoxyribose sugars

• Because DNA is coated with a negative dye

Match what the DNA bands stand for with the correct individual(s).

• Jillian

• Homozygous dominant (TT) taster

• Grandpa, Brother 2

• Heterozygous (Tt) taster

• Mom, Dad, Brother 1

• Homozygous recessive (tt) nontaster

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2