Bacterial Genetics and Mutations Quiz

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What results from two adjacent thymines becoming covalently linked?

Reduction in mutation rates

Increased DNA replication speed

Enhanced genetic diversity

Thymine dimers, Stalled DNA replication and transcription (correct)

Which method of genetic contribution involves horizontal gene transfer?

Crossing over

Independent assortment

Transformation (correct)

Sexual reproduction

What do we call the ability of a bacterium to take in donor DNA?

Competency (correct)

Transformation efficiency

Plasmid integration

Transduction

What is the role of a conjugation pilus in bacteria?

To facilitate DNA transfer between cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutation is primarily caused by frameshifts?

Insertion or deletion mutation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method by which asexual prokaryotes achieve genetic diversity?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristics of generalized transduction?

Random bacterial DNA is packaged inside a virus Signup and view all the answers

What defines F+ cells in the context of bacterial conjugation?

They contain fertility factor plasmid Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a haploid organism from a diploid organism in terms of chromosome copies?

A haploid has only one copy of each chromosome. Signup and view all the answers

Which process directly converts genetic information from DNA to proteins?

Translation Signup and view all the answers

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for unzipping the DNA strands?

Helicase Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutation arises from a change in a single nucleotide?

Point mutation Signup and view all the answers

In prokaryotes, which mechanism is crucial for genetic diversity?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of DNA gyrase in bacterial replication?

It relaxes supercoiled DNA strands. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the semiconservative model of DNA replication?

Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand. Signup and view all the answers

Which codon type is most likely modified as a result of a point mutation?

Sense codons Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of mutations caused by mutagens?

Altered protein functions Signup and view all the answers

Which process ensures minimal errors during the vertical transfer of genetic material?

DNA replication accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, leading to a shift in the reading frame?

Frameshift mutation Signup and view all the answers

What effect can a point mutation have on a protein?

It can lead to a change in a single amino acid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about mutagens?

Mutagens can be physical, chemical, or biological agents. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario could lead to increased genetic diversity in prokaryotes?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of spontaneous mutations?

They occur in the absence of a mutagen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of RNA primase during DNA replication?

To provide a free 3’ OH end for DNA polymerase Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the leading strand from the lagging strand in DNA replication?

The leading strand is synthesized continuously Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for sealing gaps after RNA primer removal in eukaryotic DNA replication?

Ligase Signup and view all the answers

In prokaryotes, what is the rate of nucleotide addition during replication?

1000 nucleotides/second Signup and view all the answers

How many origins of replication are found in eukaryotic chromosomes compared to prokaryotic chromosomes?

Multiple in eukaryotes, one in prokaryotes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of DNA polymerase I in prokaryotic replication?

To remove RNA primers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately characterizes the structure of prokaryotic genomes?

Single circular chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of topoisomerase IV in prokaryotic DNA replication?

To reseal concatenated chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which form of DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing the leading strand in eukaryotes?

DNA polymerase epsilon Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Okazaki fragments during lagging strand synthesis?

They necessitate new primers for each fragment Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the F plasmid integrates into the chromosome?

The cell becomes an Hfr cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about transposons is true?

They can excise and integrate into new DNA locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a repressor in gene regulation?

Blocks RNA polymerase from binding to the promoter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the operon model of gene expression?

It includes both promoter and operator segments. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutations do transposons mainly promote in prokaryotes?

Frameshift mutations Signup and view all the answers

How do prototypical operons differ in prokaryotes compared to eukaryotes?

Prokaryotic operons can generate polycistronic transcripts. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an inducible operon, such as the lac operon?

It can be turned off by a repressor binding to its operator. Signup and view all the answers

What role do inducers play in gene regulation?

They activate or repress transcription through regulatory factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary reason for gene regulation in prokaryotes?

To ensure efficient use of cellular resources. Signup and view all the answers