AP Biology Unit 6: Gene Expression & Regulation

Front

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

Back

RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by binding to a DNA template and initiating RNA synthesis without the need for a primer.

Front

How does DNA polymerase differ from RNA polymerase in terms of initiation?

Back

DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate DNA synthesis, while RNA polymerase can initiate RNA synthesis on its own.

Front

What direction are new DNA strands synthesized during replication?

Back

New DNA strands are synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.

Front

What is the significance of the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication?

Back

In semi-conservative replication, each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand, ensuring genetic continuity.

Front

When does translation begin in prokaryotic cells?

Back

Translation begins as soon as transcription has started.

Front

What is the structure of the DNA double helix?

Back

The DNA double helix has a uniform diameter because purines (A, G) pair with pyrimidines (C, T), maintaining consistent spacing.

Front

What determines the nucleotide sequence of a newly synthesized DNA strand?

Back

The nucleotide sequence of the newly synthesized strand is determined by the nucleotide sequence of the template strand.

Front

What is the function of primase in DNA replication?

Back

Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin DNA synthesis.

Front

What is the difference between a sense strand and a nonsense strand of DNA?

Back

The sense strand is the coding strand that has the same sequence as the mRNA (except for T instead of U), while the nonsense strand is the template strand used for transcription.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in translation?

Back

Ribosomes facilitate the decoding of mRNA into a polypeptide chain by bringing together tRNA and mRNA.