Practice Questions DNA Replication

What is the main purpose of DNA replication?

• To create new RNA molecules

• To produce two identical DNA molecules

• To make proteins

• To repair damaged DNA

Which enzyme is most directly involved in DNA replication?

• RNA polymerase

• DNA polymerase

• Helicase

• Ligase

What bonds are broken at the beginning of DNA replication?

• Covalent bonds between bases

• Hydrogen bonds between bases

• Ionic bonds between sugars

• Peptide bonds between proteins

What does complementary base pairing mean?

• Bases pair randomly

• Adenine pairs with Guanine, and Cytosine pairs with Thymine

• Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Guanine pairs with Cytosine

• Each base pairs with itself

Why is DNA replication considered "semi-conservative"?

• Half of the DNA is discarded during replication

• Each new DNA molecule contains one old strand and one new strand

• Only half of the DNA is copied

• It conserves energy by using only half the bases

How does base pairing ensure accurate DNA replication?

• Bases are chosen randomly to pair with the template strand

• Each base only pairs with its specific complement

• Base pairing determines which proteins are made

• Base pairing stops mutations during replication

If DNA polymerase adds an incorrect base during replication, what might happen?

• The DNA strand will stop replicating

• A mutation may occur in the new DNA molecule

• The enzyme will correct itself automatically

• The old DNA strand will be replaced

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

A scientist observes a cell that cannot replicate its DNA properly. Which enzyme is likely not functioning correctly?

• RNA polymerase

• DNA polymerase

• Ribosome

• Peptidase

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Why is DNA replication critical for cell division?

• It provides a way for cells to store energy

• It ensures each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material

• It creates more proteins for cell growth

• It reduces the amount of genetic material needed for each cell

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

What might happen if the hydrogen bonds between bases failed to break during DNA replication?

• DNA would form proteins instead

• Replication would stop because the strands could not separate

• The DNA would replicate faster

• The cell would produce RNA instead of DNA