Mutations Practice ( From Notes)

What is a mutation?

• A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA

• A change in the protein structure

• A change in the cell membrane

• A change in the RNA sequence.

Answer explanation

A mutation specifically refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to variations in genes and potentially affect protein synthesis. This makes the first choice the correct answer.

Mutations that occur in _______ can be passed to offspring.

• somatic cells

• gametes

• skin cells

• muscle cells

Answer explanation

Mutations in gametes (sperm and egg cells) can be inherited by offspring, while mutations in somatic cells, skin cells, or muscle cells are not passed on to the next generation.

Which of the following is a result of somatic mutations?

• Improved survival

• Skin cancers and leukemia

• Increased intelligence

• Faster growth

Answer explanation

Somatic mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in diseases like skin cancers and leukemia. These mutations affect non-germline cells and can contribute to tumorigenesis.

Some mutations may ______ an organism's survival.

• hinder

• improve

• have no effect

• reduce

Answer explanation

Some mutations can improve an organism's survival by providing advantageous traits that enhance adaptability to the environment, making 'improve' the correct choice.

Which of the following is NOT a type of chromosome mutation?

• A) Deletion

• B) Inversion

• C) Translocation

• D) Photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is a biological process, not a type of chromosome mutation. The other options—deletion, inversion, and translocation—are all recognized types of chromosome mutations that affect genetic material.

Chromosome mutations may involve ________ the structure.

• Changing

• Fixing

• Ignoring

• Painting

Answer explanation

Chromosome mutations involve changing the structure of chromosomes, which can include alterations like deletions, duplications, or rearrangements. Thus, 'Changing' is the correct choice.

What happens during a deletion mutation in a chromosome?

• A piece of a chromosome is duplicated

• A piece of a chromosome is lost

• A piece of a chromosome is inverted

• A piece of a chromosome is translocated.

Answer explanation

During a deletion mutation, a piece of a chromosome is lost, which can lead to gene loss and potentially affect the organism's traits. This distinguishes it from duplication, inversion, or translocation mutations.

In an inversion mutation, a chromosome segment breaks off, flips around ______, and reattaches.

• forwards

• backwards

• sideways

• upside down

Answer explanation

In an inversion mutation, a chromosome segment breaks off, flips around backwards, and reattaches. This means the segment is reversed in orientation, which is why 'backwards' is the correct choice.

What occurs when a gene sequence is repeated?

• Translocation

• Duplication

• Inversion

• Deletion

Answer explanation

When a gene sequence is repeated, it results in duplication. This process increases the number of copies of a particular gene, which can lead to variations in traits or functions.

Translocation involves two chromosomes that aren't homologous. Part of one chromosome is _______ to another chromosome.

• Deleted

• Transferred

• Inverted

• Duplicated

Answer explanation

Translocation refers to the movement of a segment from one chromosome to another non-homologous chromosome. Therefore, part of one chromosome is 'Transferred' to another chromosome, making this the correct choice.