Life Science: Biology — Practice Regents Examination

Using the gel electrophoresis results shown in Figure 2, identify which patient (A, B, C, or D) most likely carries the deletion mutation, and identify the evidence from the gel image that supports your answer.

Patient: __________
Evidence: __________

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Which sequence of events correctly describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein?

• DNA → protein → mRNA → ribosome
• DNA → mRNA → ribosome → protein
• mRNA → DNA → protein → amino acids

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NGSS.HS-LS1-1

A patient is found to have a mutation in which the DNA codon AAA is changed to AGA. Using the codon table provided, explain how this mutation would affect the structure and function of the resulting protein.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

Which statement best explains why the restriction enzyme produces different band patterns in patients with mutations compared to patients without mutations?

• Restriction enzymes cut DNA at random locations in all patients.
• A mutation changes the DNA sequence so the enzyme no longer recognizes its cut site, producing differently sized fragments.
• Mutations increase the size of all DNA fragments in the gel.
• The restriction enzyme cuts mRNA instead of DNA in patients with mutations.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

A researcher wants to confirm that the difference in gel band patterns between Sample B and Sample C is due to a genetic mutation rather than an error in technique. Which is the best next step?

• Repeat the experiment with a different gel percentage.
• Sequence the DNA of both patients and compare the nucleotide order in the gene region.
• Use a different restriction enzyme that cuts at more locations.
• Compare the patients’ protein sizes using a microscope.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

The mRNA codon AUG serves as the start codon. Which statement describes its role in protein synthesis?

• AUG signals the end of transcription in the nucleus.
• AUG codes for the amino acid Methionine and signals ribosomes to begin assembling a protein.
• AUG directly binds to the DNA template and prevents further transcription.
• AUG codes for a stop signal that releases the completed protein from the ribosome.

Describe how a single nucleotide substitution mutation in a gene could result in a nonfunctional protein even if only one amino acid is changed. Include the role of protein shape in your answer.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

Two siblings are tested for the hereditary respiratory disorder. Their gel results show identical band patterns. Which conclusion is best supported by this evidence?

• The siblings inherited exactly the same alleles from both parents for this gene region.
• The siblings have identical DNA in every gene in their genome.
• The siblings do not carry any mutations anywhere in their DNA.
• The siblings’ DNA was cut by the restriction enzyme at identical random sites.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Which technological application BEST represents an appropriate use of gel electrophoresis in medicine?

• Using gel electrophoresis to determine the three-dimensional shape of a protein.
• Identifying a disease-causing mutation by comparing a patient’s banding pattern to a known normal pattern.
• Using gel electrophoresis to measure the rate of protein synthesis in a cell.
• Directly editing a patient’s DNA sequence by removing bands from the gel.

Which statement best explains why feral hogs have been so successful at establishing large populations in Texas?

• Feral hogs outcompete native species for resources and have few natural predators large enough to control their numbers.
• Feral hogs require less food than native species and are able to survive without water for extended periods.
• Feral hogs are native to Texas and have historically played a keystone role in local ecosystems.
• Feral hogs reproduce slowly but live much longer than native species, allowing them to accumulate large populations over time.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS2-1