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4.E: Biochemistry of the Genome (Exercises)

  • Page ID
    80820
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    4.1: The Structure and Function of Cellular Genomes

    The entire genetic content of a cell is its genome. Genes code for proteins, or stable RNA molecules, each of which carries out a specific function in the cell. Although the genotype that a cell possesses remains constant, expression of genes is dependent on environmental conditions. A phenotype is the observable characteristics of a cell (or organism) at a given point in time and results from the complement of genes currently being used.

    Multiple Choice

    Which of the following correctly describes the structure of the typical eukaryotic genome?

    1. diploid
    2. linear
    3. singular
    4. double stranded
    Answer

    A

    Which of the following is typically found as part of the prokaryotic genome?

    1. chloroplast DNA
    2. linear chromosomes
    3. plasmids
    4. mitochondrial DNA
    Answer

    C

    Serratia marcescens cells produce a red pigment at room temperature. The red color of the colonies is an example of which of the following?

    1. genotype
    2. phenotype
    3. change in DNA base composition
    4. adaptation to the environment
    Answer

    B

    Which of the following genes would not likely be encoded on a plasmid?

    1. genes encoding toxins that damage host tissue
    2. genes encoding antibacterial resistance
    3. gene encoding enzymes for glycolysis
    4. genes encoding enzymes for the degradation of an unusual substrate
    Answer

    C

    Histones are DNA binding proteins that are important for DNA packaging in which of the following?

    1. double-stranded and single-stranded DNA viruses
    2. archaea and bacteria
    3. bacteria and eukaryotes
    4. eukaryotes and archaea
    Answer

    D

    True/False

    Within an organism, phenotypes may change while genotypes remain constant.

    Answer

    True

    Noncoding DNA has no biological purpose.

    Answer

    False

    Fill in the Blank

    Plasmids are typically transferred among members of a bacterial community by ________ gene transfer.

    Answer

    horizontal

    Short Answer

    What are some differences in chromosomal structures between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

    How do prokaryotes and eukaryotes manage to fit their lengthy DNA inside of cells? Why is this necessary?

    What are some functions of noncoding DNA?

    In the chromatin of eukaryotic cells, which regions of the chromosome would you expect to be more compact: the regions that contain genes being actively copied into RNA or those that contain inactive genes?

    Critical Thinking

    A new type of bacteriophage has been isolated and you are in charge of characterizing its genome. The base composition of the bacteriophage is A (15%), C (20%), T (35%), and G (30%). What can you conclude about the genome of the virus?


    This page titled 4.E: Biochemistry of the Genome (Exercises) is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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