Gene Regulation and Mutations

Caroline introduces the session on gene expression, regulation, cell specialization, and mutations. She explains the central dogma of molecular biology, detailing the process from DNA to RNA to protein. The session covers gene regulation, focusing on prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms, including operons. Cell specialization and the role of stem cells are discussed, followed by an overview of mutations and their effects. The session concludes with a practice question on gene regulation, preparing students for the AP exam.

What is the main focus of the session introduced by the instructor?

• Plant Biology

• Human Anatomy

• Gene Expression and Regulation

• Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Which process involves the conversion of DNA to RNA?

• Transcription

• Translation

• Replication

• Mutation

What is the role of RNA polymerase during transcription?

• It synthesizes RNA from a DNA template

• It unwinds the DNA double helix

• It repairs DNA mutations

• It translates mRNA into protein

Why is gene regulation important in cells?

• To replicate DNA accurately

• To save energy by expressing only necessary genes

• To produce more RNA

• To ensure all genes are expressed at all times

What is the function of a repressor in gene regulation?

• It activates gene expression

• It enhances the binding of RNA polymerase

• It binds to the operator to block RNA polymerase

• It unwinds the DNA double helix

Which operon is responsible for the breakdown of lactose in bacteria?

• his operon

• lac operon

• trp operon

• ara operon

What happens when lactose is present in the environment of a bacterium?

• The repressor binds to the operator

• The lac operon is turned off

• RNA polymerase is blocked

• The lac operon is turned on

What type of mutation results in a single base change without affecting the protein sequence?

• Nonsense mutation

• Silent mutation

• Frameshift mutation

• Missense mutation

Which type of mutation is most likely to result in a nonfunctional protein due to an early stop codon?

• Missense mutation

• Nonsense mutation

• Silent mutation

• Frameshift mutation

What is the role of stem cells in cell specialization?

• They replicate into the same type of cell

• They can differentiate into various cell types

• They only become skin cells

• They repair DNA mutations