Genetics Quizzes for Sixth Form College Biology Year 13

Question 1

Which enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Helicase

Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

Primase

Answer

Ligase

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of heritable genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Transcriptional regulation

Answer

Gene duplication

Answer

Frameshift mutation

Answer

Transposon insertion

Question 3

Which process creates an identical copy of the genetic information in a DNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

DNA Replication

Answer

Crossing Over

Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Transcription

Question 4

Which nitrogenous base is unique to DNA's composition?

Accepted Answer

Thymine

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Cytosine

Answer

Uracil

Question 5

Which component is NOT found in a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Answer

Nitrogenous base

Answer

Phosphate group

Answer

Deoxyribose sugar

Question 6

Which nitrogenous base is NOT found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Thymine

Answer

Cytosine

Question 7

In DNA replication, the original DNA strands act as templates for creating new DNA strands. Which model best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Semi-conservative model

Answer

Conservative model

Answer

Dispersive model

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic change

Answer

Substitution

Answer

Insertion

Answer

Deletion

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic variation that can be passed down to offspring?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic changes

Answer

Point mutations

Answer

Chromosomal aberrations

Answer

Gene duplication

Question 10

In DNA, which base pairs with cytosine?

Accepted Answer

Guanine

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Thymine

Answer

Uracil

Question 11

Which component is unique to DNA nucleotides and not found in RNA nucleotides?

Accepted Answer

Deoxyribose sugar

Answer

Phosphate group

Answer

Nitrogenous base

Answer

Ribose sugar

Question 12

Which of the following describes DNA accurately?

Accepted Answer

DNA's two strands are linked by hydrogen bonds.

Accepted Answer

DNA carries the genetic instructions for all proteins.

Answer

DNA is a single-stranded molecule.

Answer

DNA is exclusively found in the cell's nucleus.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about DNA is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

The sugar-phosphate backbone is on the inside of the DNA double helix.

Answer

DNA is a double helix.

Answer

Hydrogen bonds hold the two DNA strands together.

Answer

DNA contains the genetic code for proteins.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a nitrogenous base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Ribose

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Cytosine

Answer

Guanine

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid

Answer

Nitrogenous base

Answer

Phosphate group

Answer

Sugar molecule

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a purine nitrogenous base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Guanine

Answer

Cytosine

Question 17

In a DNA replication experiment, radioactive nucleotides are incorporated into new DNA strands. After the first round of replication, which DNA component will be radioactive?

Accepted Answer

Newly synthesized DNA strands

Answer

Original DNA strands

Answer

Both original and newly synthesized DNA strands

Answer

Neither original nor newly synthesized DNA strands

Question 18

During DNA replication, which factor ensures that nucleotides added to the new strand are complementary to those in the original strand?

Accepted Answer

The specificity of DNA polymerase

Answer

Hydrogen bonds between nucleotides

Answer

The helical structure of DNA

Answer

The presence of introns in DNA

Question 19

In protein synthesis, which molecule transports genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

mRNA

Answer

DNA

Answer

rRNA

Answer

tRNA

Question 20

DNA is a molecule made up of nucleotides. How are these nucleotides arranged within a DNA molecule?

Accepted Answer

Two strands of nucleotides running in opposite directions, linked by covalent bonds to form a double helix

Answer

A single, straight line of nucleotides connected by hydrogen bonds

Answer

A circular molecule of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds

Answer

A triple helix of nucleotides linked by hydrogen bonds

Question 21

Which of the following processes does NOT involve the direct replication of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Gene Expression

Answer

Mitosis

Answer

Meiosis

Question 22

In DNA replication, which enzyme elongates the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides that match the template strand?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

Helicase

Answer

RNA polymerase

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a point mutation in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Inversion

Answer

Substitution

Answer

Deletion

Answer

Insertion

Question 24

Which fundamental principle best explains the importance of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation provides the basis for evolutionary adaptation.

Answer

Genetic variation guarantees advantageous traits in offspring.

Answer

Genetic variation is solely caused by chromosomal mutations.

Answer

Genetic variation has no effect on ecosystem stability.

Question 25

What is the essential component that creates the backbone of DNA's double helix structure?

Accepted Answer

Alternating deoxyribose and phosphate groups

Answer

Single-stranded nucleotides

Question 26

Which enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Helicase

Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

RNA polymerase

Answer

Ligase

Question 27

Which term describes a karyotype with an abnormal number of chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Aneuploid

Answer

Euploid

Answer

Diploid

Answer

Haploid

Question 28

When analyzing a pedigree chart, what is the most crucial factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance pattern in the family

Answer

Number of affected family members

Answer

Gender of affected family members

Answer

Age of onset of the trait

Question 29

Which mutation type does NOT directly alter the coding sequence of a gene?

Accepted Answer

Synonymous mutation

Answer

Nonsense mutation

Answer

Missense mutation

Answer

Frameshift mutation

Question 30

Which of the following is a characteristic of a dominant allele, rather than a recessive allele?

Accepted Answer

Can exhibit dominance over other alleles

Accepted Answer

Primarily responsible for observable traits in individuals

Answer

Only expressed in homozygous individuals

Answer

Always present in an individual's genetic makeup

Question 31

What are the three main components that form a single nucleotide in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogenous base, deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group

Answer

Nitrogenous base, ribose sugar, phosphate group

Answer

Nitrogenous base, glucose sugar, phosphate group

Answer

Nitrogenous base, phosphate group, hydroxyl group

Question 32

Which factor leads to a significant increase in genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Gene flow

Question 33

In DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction?

Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

Helicase

Answer

RNA polymerase

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of a genetic mutation?

Accepted Answer

Sickle-cell anemia

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Turner syndrome

Question 35

What is the primary function of DNA?

Accepted Answer

Carry genetic information and direct protein synthesis

Answer

Control cellular metabolism

Answer

Transport substances across cell membranes

Answer

Provide protection against external threats

Question 36

Which is the main limitation of Mendelian genetics?

Accepted Answer

Assumes independent gene assortment, which may not always occur

Answer

Only applies to dominant and recessive alleles

Answer

Cannot predict the probability of inheriting specific traits

Answer

Only applicable to certain organisms

Question 37

Which of the following accurately describes genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Altering an organism's genetic makeup to modify its characteristics.

Answer

Exclusively used to treat genetic conditions.

Answer

Always leading to the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Answer

A completely risk-free and safe procedure.

Question 38

How does homologous recombination contribute to genetic variation and DNA repair?

Accepted Answer

It enables the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to new allele combinations and increased genetic diversity.

Answer

It primarily occurs during mitosis and is responsible for producing gametes.

Answer

It solely contributes to DNA repair and has no role in genetic variation.

Answer

It is limited to prokaryotic organisms and has no significance in eukaryotes.

Question 39

In a heterozygous genotype, which allele is expressed?

Accepted Answer

Dominant allele

Answer

Recessive allele

Answer

Neither allele is dominant

Answer

Both alleles are dominant

Question 40

Which of the following is not considered a type of mutation?

Accepted Answer

Recombination

Answer

Substitution

Answer

Deletion

Answer

Insertion

Question 41

What is the primary function of RNA polymerase in the process of transcription?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing mRNA from DNA

Answer

Unzipping the DNA double helix

Answer

Catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds

Answer

Proofreading the newly synthesized mRNA

Question 42

Which genetic disorder is associated with defects in the CFTR gene?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Phenylketonuria

Question 43

What is the primary purpose of genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Provide information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic disorders

Answer

Diagnose and treat genetic disorders

Answer

Screen for all possible genetic mutations

Answer

Prevent the occurrence of genetic disorders

Question 44

The sequence of nitrogenous bases in a codon on an mRNA molecule specifies:

Accepted Answer

The specific amino acid that will be added to the growing polypeptide chain during translation.

Answer

The location of the start codon on the mRNA.

Answer

The number of ribosomes that will be involved in translation.

Answer

The rate at which translation will occur.

Question 45

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in a single gene is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Mendelian disorder

Answer

Polygenic disorder

Answer

Chromosomal disorder

Answer

Multifactorial disorder

Question 46

The process by which homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material is known as:

Accepted Answer

Crossing over

Answer

Transformation

Answer

Transduction

Answer

Conjugation

Question 47

The primary structure of a protein refers to its:

Accepted Answer

Linear sequence of amino acids

Answer

Three-dimensional conformation

Answer

Functional role within a cell

Answer

Solubility in water

Question 48

Which of the following is a technique used to alter the DNA sequence of an organism?

Accepted Answer

Gene editing

Answer

Selective breeding

Answer

Artificial insemination

Answer

Hybridization

Question 49

Which of the following accurately describes a dominant allele?

Accepted Answer

Hides the expression of a recessive allele in a heterozygous genotype

Answer

Is always expressed in the phenotype regardless of genotype

Answer

Is only expressed in individuals homozygous for the dominant allele

Answer

Is only found on the Y chromosome

Question 50

In small populations, genetic drift can cause substantial shifts in allele frequencies over time. Which of the following is a key factor contributing to genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Founder effect

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Selection

Question 51

Assess the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetic engineering, considering both its potential benefits and risks.

Accepted Answer

The ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetic engineering are significant and require careful consideration.

Answer

Human genetic engineering has no significant ethical, legal, or social implications.

Answer

The benefits of human genetic engineering outweigh any ethical or social concerns.

Answer

Human genetic engineering should be banned due to its ethical and social risks.

Question 52

Which of the following is a technique used in molecular genetics to amplify specific DNA sequences?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Karyotyping

Answer

Sanger Sequencing

Question 53

What is the term for the random change in the genetic material of an organism?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Genetic Drift

Answer

Epigenetics

Question 54

What is the distinction between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to their observable traits.

Answer

Phenotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while genotype refers to their observable traits.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are interchangeable terms.

Answer

Genotype refers to an individual's physical appearance, while phenotype refers to their personality and behaviour.

Question 55

Compare the efficiency and specificity of CRISPR-Cas9, ZFNs, and TALENs in genome editing, discussing their potential applications and limitations.

Accepted Answer

CRISPR-Cas9 offers high efficiency but lower specificity compared to ZFNs and TALENs.

Accepted Answer

ZFNs exhibit high specificity but may be less efficient than CRISPR-Cas9.

Answer

TALENs outperform CRISPR-Cas9 and ZFNs in both efficiency and specificity.

Question 56

What best describes a multifactorial disorder?

Accepted Answer

Results from a combination of multiple genes and environmental factors

Answer

Caused by a single gene change

Answer

Follows a clear Mendelian inheritance pattern

Answer

Involves a change to a single chromosome

Question 57

How does DNA methylation affect gene expression?

Accepted Answer

It recruits proteins that block transcription factors, silencing genes.

Answer

It aids transcription factor binding, activating genes.

Answer

It has no impact on gene expression.

Answer

It's only found in embryonic stem cells.

Question 58

Explain how environmental factors can influence gene expression and phenotypic variation. Provide specific examples to illustrate your explanation.

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors can trigger epigenetic changes that alter gene expression, leading to phenotypic diversity.

Answer

Environmental factors have no impact on gene expression or phenotypic variation.

Answer

Phenotypic variation is solely caused by genetic mutations.

Answer

Gene expression is predetermined by the DNA sequence and is not influenced by environmental cues.

Question 59

Which characteristic is NOT attributed to Mendelian genetics?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative variation

Answer

Discrete units of inheritance (genes)

Answer

Dominant and recessive alleles

Answer

Independent assortment of alleles

Question 60

Which technique is utilized to determine the nucleotide sequence of DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Electrophoresis

Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Gene cloning

Question 61

The process of DNA being transcribed into RNA is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Answer

Translation

Answer

Replication

Answer

Mutation

Question 62

Bioinformatics is NOT directly used for which of the following in genetic research?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing and treating diseases

Answer

Mapping and piecing together genomes

Answer

Examining how genes are expressed

Answer

Studying genetics within populations

Question 63

Compare whole-genome sequencing and microarrays based on the extent of genome coverage they provide:

Accepted Answer

Whole-genome sequencing provides more comprehensive genome coverage than microarrays.

Answer

Microarrays provide more comprehensive genome coverage than whole-genome sequencing.

Answer

Whole-genome sequencing and microarrays offer comparable genome coverage.

Answer

Both whole-genome sequencing and microarrays provide complete genome coverage.

Question 64

Which of the following is NOT a nitrogenous base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Cytosine

Answer

Guanine