Understanding Gene Expression Mechanisms

What is the primary function of a promoter in gene expression?

• To terminate transcription

• To initiate transcription

• To splice RNA

• To translate RNA

Explain how transcription factors influence gene expression.

• They bind to DNA and help RNA polymerase initiate transcription.

• They degrade mRNA to prevent translation.

• They splice introns from pre-mRNA.

• They transport mRNA out of the nucleus.

Describe the role of enhancers in gene regulation.

• Enhancers are DNA sequences that increase the rate of transcription when bound by specific proteins.

• Enhancers are proteins that degrade mRNA.

• Enhancers are enzymes that synthesize RNA.

• Enhancers are lipids that stabilize the cell membrane.

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

• Conversion of DNA into RNA

• Conversion of RNA into protein

• Replication of DNA

• Translation of RNA into DNA

How does the presence of a repressor protein affect gene expression?

• It enhances the binding of RNA polymerase to DNA.

• It blocks the binding of RNA polymerase to DNA.

• It facilitates the splicing of mRNA.

• It increases the rate of translation.

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

• It unwinds the DNA double helix.

• It synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

• It translates RNA into protein.

• It splices introns from pre-mRNA.

Discuss the strategic importance of alternative splicing in gene expression.

• It allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins, increasing protein diversity.

• It prevents the transcription of non-coding regions.

• It ensures that only exons are transcribed.

• It degrades mRNA after translation.

Identify the molecule that carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome.

• tRNA

• mRNA

• rRNA

• DNA

Explain the role of mRNA in the process of gene expression.

• mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

• mRNA transports amino acids to the ribosome.

• mRNA forms the structural components of ribosomes.

• mRNA catalyzes the splicing of introns.

What is the significance of the 5' cap and poly-A tail in mRNA processing?

• They protect mRNA from degradation and assist in ribosome binding.

• They are involved in the splicing of introns.

• They facilitate the replication of DNA.

• They are necessary for the transcription of mRNA.