Molecular Pathology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge in Disease Mechanisms

Question 1

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a variation in a single nucleotide that occurs within a population. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 2

Which of the following techniques is used to amplify specific DNA sequences?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Southern blotting

Answer

In situ hybridization

Question 3

Which of the following is a consequence of a frameshift mutation?

Accepted Answer

Alteration of the reading frame of a gene

Answer

Truncation of the protein product

Answer

Silent mutation

Answer

Missense mutation

Question 4

Which of the following genetic tests is used to identify individuals at risk for developing a specific disease?

Accepted Answer

Predictive testing

Answer

Diagnostic testing

Answer

Carrier testing

Answer

Forensic testing

Question 5

The process by which a gene is expressed is called:

Accepted Answer

Transcription

Answer

Translation

Answer

Replication

Answer

Mutation

Question 6

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who provides information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 7

The ethical and social implications of molecular pathology should be considered when developing and using genetic tests. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 8

Which of the following is not a type of genetic mutation that can alter DNA?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic change

Answer

Point mutation

Answer

Translocation

Answer

Deletion

Question 9

Which of the following techniques is commonly used to detect gene mutations in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Question 10

How does DNA methylation primarily regulate gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Silences gene expression by preventing transcription factor binding

Answer

Activates gene expression by exposing promoter regions

Answer

Enhances DNA replication by increasing genetic diversity

Answer

Promotes genetic recombination by altering chromosomal structure

Question 11

What is the key difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

Accepted Answer

Germline mutations are inherited, while somatic mutations occur post-conception.

Answer

Somatic mutations are inherited, while germline mutations occur post-conception.

Answer

Germline mutations affect all cells in the body, while somatic mutations only affect specific tissues.

Answer

Somatic mutations affect all cells in the body, while germline mutations only affect specific tissues.

Question 12

How do oncogenes contribute to the development of cancer?

Accepted Answer

By promoting uncontrolled cell growth

Answer

By activating tumor suppressor genes

Answer

By inhibiting cell cycle regulators

Answer

By repairing damaged DNA

Question 13

Which of the following accurately describes the genetic basis of sickle cell disease?

Accepted Answer

A single-nucleotide mutation in the beta-globin gene, leading to altered hemoglobin with reduced solubility

Answer

Deletion of a segment within the beta-globin gene, resulting in a shortened hemoglobin protein

Answer

Mutation in the promoter region of the beta-globin gene, reducing its expression

Answer

A mutation in the gene encoding the alpha-globin protein

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a primary mechanism of gene expression regulation?

Accepted Answer

Protein phosphorylation

Answer

Transcriptional regulation

Answer

Translational regulation

Answer

Gene silencing

Question 15

Which sequencing technology has revolutionized genomic research due to its high throughput and affordability?

Accepted Answer

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Answer

Sanger sequencing

Answer

Pyrosequencing

Answer

Ion torrent sequencing

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used molecular biomarker in cancer diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin A1c levels

Answer

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Answer

Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutations

Answer

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations

Question 17

In molecular pathology, which technique is employed to pinpoint variations in gene expression that contribute to disease development?

Accepted Answer

Microarray analysis

Answer

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Answer

Sanger sequencing

Question 18

Which molecular biology technique is commonly used to amplify specific regions of DNA, allowing for the detection of mutations?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Restriction enzyme digestion

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Question 19

What type of genetic mutation results in the production of a truncated, non-functional protein?

Accepted Answer

Nonsense mutation

Answer

Missense mutation

Answer

Silent mutation

Answer

Splice-site mutation

Question 20

Which of the following methods is commonly used in molecular pathology to analyze gene expression patterns on a large scale?

Accepted Answer

Microarray

Answer

In situ hybridization (ISH)

Answer

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

Answer

Western blotting

Question 21

What is the primary function of oncogenes in cancer development?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate cell growth and prevent programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Answer

They repair damaged DNA and maintain genome stability.

Answer

They induce immune responses against cancer cells.

Answer

They suppress tumor growth and promote differentiation.

Question 22

Which molecular marker is commonly associated with aggressive breast cancer and is targeted by specific therapies?

Accepted Answer

HER2

Answer

KRAS

Answer

BRCA1

Answer

EGFR

Question 23

What is a primary advantage of using molecular tests in the diagnosis of infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

They enable the rapid identification of specific pathogens, guiding targeted treatment.

Answer

They provide information about the severity of the infection.

Answer

They can monitor the response to treatment over time.

Question 24

Which statement about the clinical benefits of molecular pathology is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Molecular pathology reduces the need for diagnostic procedures that require surgery.

Answer

Molecular pathology provides more accurate and timely diagnoses.

Answer

Molecular pathology enables the development of personalized treatment plans based on genetic alterations.