Curious Biologist

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

• DNA is translated into RNA, which is then transcribed into protein.

• DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

• RNA is transcribed into DNA, which is then translated into protein.

• Proteins are transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into DNA.

Answer explanation

The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein. This process is fundamental for gene expression and protein synthesis.

Which of the following is a step in eukaryotic gene expression?

• DNA replication

• RNA transcription

• Protein degradation

• Lipid synthesis

Answer explanation

RNA transcription is a key step in eukaryotic gene expression, where DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is essential for synthesizing proteins, making it the correct choice among the options.

What is the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in genetic research?

• It is used to translate proteins.

• It is used to edit genes.

• It is used to replicate DNA.

• It is used to transcribe RNA.

Answer explanation

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary tool in genetic research that allows scientists to edit genes with precision. It enables targeted modifications in DNA, making it essential for gene therapy, functional studies, and genetic engineering.

Which type of virus can be used as a vector for gene therapy?

• Bacteriophage

• Retrovirus

• Influenza virus

• Rhinovirus

Answer explanation

Retroviruses are commonly used as vectors in gene therapy because they can integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA, allowing for stable and long-term expression of the therapeutic gene.

What is the function of RNA polymerase?

• It synthesizes DNA from RNA.

• It synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

• It synthesizes proteins from RNA.

• It degrades RNA molecules.

Answer explanation

RNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription, making the second answer choice correct. The other options incorrectly describe the functions of RNA polymerase.

What is the role of transcription factors in gene expression?

• They degrade mRNA.

• They assist in the folding of proteins.

• They help initiate the transcription of DNA to RNA.

• They transport RNA out of the nucleus.

Answer explanation

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, helping to initiate the transcription of DNA into RNA. This process is crucial for gene expression, making the correct choice 'They help initiate the transcription of DNA to RNA.'

What is the role of mRNA in translation?

• It degrades proteins after synthesis.

• It serves as a template for protein synthesis.

• It forms the structure of the ribosome.

• It carries amino acids to the ribosome.

Answer explanation

mRNA serves as a template for protein synthesis by carrying the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where it guides the assembly of amino acids into proteins.

What is the purpose of the 'CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism & Applications' Click & Learn?

• To explore how CRISPR-Cas9 works and its applications

• To explore the diversity of CRISPR systems

• To explore the structure of CRISPR proteins

• To explore the history of CRISPR technology

Answer explanation

The 'CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism & Applications' Click & Learn focuses on explaining how CRISPR-Cas9 functions and its various applications, making the first answer choice the correct one.

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

• It forms the structure of the ribosome.

• It carries the genetic code from DNA.

• It carries amino acids to the ribosome.

• It degrades mRNA after translation.

Answer explanation

tRNA (transfer RNA) plays a crucial role in translation by carrying amino acids to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. This process ensures that the correct amino acids are added in the sequence specified by the mRNA.

Which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA replication?

• Ligase

• DNA polymerase

• Helicase

• RNA polymerase

Answer explanation

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication, ensuring accurate copying of the genetic material. Other enzymes like ligase and helicase have different roles.