Molecular Genetics Pre-assessment (Grade 7)

1.

In the diagram below, which letter indicates a section of the molecule that includes all the components of a nucleotide (Standard 2.1 f)?
- A.
  
  1
- B.
  
  2
- C.
  
  4
- D.
  
  4
- E.
  
  None of the Above
Correct Answer
D. 4

Explanation
The letter "4" indicates a section of the molecule that includes all the components of a nucleotide. A nucleotide is composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. In the diagram, section 4 includes all these components, making it the correct answer. Sections 1, 2, and 3 do not include all the components of a nucleotide.

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1
1
2.

The presence of DNA is important for cellular metabolic activities because DNA (Standard 2.1g)
- A.
  
  Directs the production of enzymes
- B.
  
  Is a structural component of cell walls
- C.
  
  Directly increases the solubility of nutrients
- D.
  
  Is the major component of cytoplasm
- E.
  
  Is a direct source of energy
Correct Answer
A. Directs the production of enzymes

Explanation
DNA directs the production of enzymes in cellular metabolic activities. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions within cells. DNA contains the genetic instructions that determine the sequence and structure of proteins, including enzymes. Through the process of transcription and translation, DNA is used as a template to produce messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information to the ribosomes where it is translated into proteins, including enzymes. Therefore, the presence of DNA is crucial for the production of enzymes, which are essential for cellular metabolic activities.

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3.

Protein has a great potential for variation of structure because (Standard 2.1i)
- A.
  
  Monosaccharides have many different structures
- B.
  
  Many amino acids may combine in a number of ways
- C.
  
  Different amino acids occur in pairs
- D.
  
  Fatty acids may vary
- E.
  
  Number of chromosomes vary from cell to cell
Correct Answer
B. Many amino acids may combine in a number of ways

Explanation
Proteins have a great potential for variation of structure because many amino acids may combine in a number of ways. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and there are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form different protein structures. This allows for a wide range of possible protein structures and functions.

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4.

Mutations can be transmitted to the next generation only if they are present in (Standard 2.1h):
- A.
  
  Brain cells
- B.
  
  Body cells
- C.
  
  Sex cells
- D.
  
  Muscle cells
- E.
  
  T cells
Correct Answer
C. Sex cells

Explanation
Mutations can be transmitted to the next generation only if they are present in sex cells. This is because sex cells, such as sperm and egg cells, are involved in the process of reproduction. When these cells combine during fertilization, they form a new individual with a combination of genetic material from both parents. Any mutations present in the sex cells will be passed on to the offspring, potentially leading to genetic disorders or variations in future generations. Mutations in other types of cells, such as brain cells, body cells, muscle cells, or T cells, will not be inherited by the next generation as they do not contribute to the genetic makeup of the offspring.

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5.

The structure and location of a cellular component is represented in the diagram shown. The polymer in the diagram most likely contains (Standard 2.1j):
- A.
  
  Adenosine triphosphate
- B.
  
  Genes
- C.
  
  Lipids
- D.
  
  Hydrolytic enzymes
- E.
  
  Organelles
Correct Answer
B. Genes

Explanation
The diagram represents the structure and location of a cellular component. The polymer in the diagram is most likely genes. Genes are made up of DNA, which is a polymer. Genes are responsible for carrying genetic information and determining the traits and characteristics of an organism.

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6.

Which statement is true (Standard 2.1k)?
- A.
  
  Every cell in the body is genetically different from each other
- B.
  
  Stem cells contain genes that are different from differentiated cells
- C.
  
  Monozygotic twins have different genotypes
- D.
  
  Muscle cells and nerve cells contain different genes
- E.
  
  Muscle cells and nerve cells contain the same genes
Correct Answer
E. Muscle cells and nerve cells contain the same genes

Explanation
Muscle cells and nerve cells contain the same genes. This means that the genetic information present in both muscle cells and nerve cells is identical. While different types of cells may have variations in gene expression, the actual genes present in their DNA are the same. This is because all cells in an individual's body contain the same set of genes, regardless of their specific function or location.

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1
0
7.

Sometimes a section of a chromosome is lost during meiosis. This loss results in a change in genetic material known as (Standard 2.2d):
- A.
  
  Deletion
- B.
  
  Replication
- C.
  
  Crossing over
- D.
  
  Polyploidy
- E.
  
  Point mutation
Correct Answer
A. Deletion

Explanation
Deletion refers to the loss of a section of a chromosome during meiosis. This loss leads to a change in the genetic material. This explanation clarifies that deletion is the correct answer without explicitly stating it.

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8.

Based on the gel electrophoresis diagram below, which statement is most likely true:
- A.
  
  Suspect 1 is most likely to have committed the crime
- B.
  
  Suspect 2 is most likely to have committed the crime
- C.
  
  Both Suspect 1 and Suspect 2 likely worked together to commit the crime
- D.
  
  The victim is lying and both Suspect 1 and Suspect 2 are innocent
- E.
  
  There is not enough information to determine which of the two suspects is more likely guilty
Correct Answer
A. Suspect 1 is most likely to have committed the crime
9.

A woman has a gene that causes a visual disorder. To prevent the gene from appearing in future generations, the defective gene would have to be repaired in the mother's (Standard 5.2h):
- A.
  
  Eye
- B.
  
  Uterus
- C.
  
  Nervous system
- D.
  
  Reproductive cells
- E.
  
  Epidermal cells
Correct Answer
D. Reproductive cells

Explanation
To prevent the gene from appearing in future generations, the defective gene would have to be repaired in the mother's reproductive cells. Reproductive cells, such as eggs or sperm, carry the genetic information that is passed on to offspring. If the defective gene is repaired in these cells, it will not be passed on to future generations. Repairing the gene in other parts of the body, such as the eye, uterus, nervous system, or epidermal cells, would not prevent it from being passed on to offspring.

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10.

A mutagen implicated in cancer is (Standard 5.2i):
- A.
  
  A restriction enzyme
- B.
  
  Bacteria
- C.
  
  Caffeine
- D.
  
  Ultraviolet light
- E.
  
  A vector
Correct Answer
D. Ultraviolet light

Explanation
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a mutagen that has been linked to the development of cancer. Exposure to UV light can cause damage to the DNA in our cells, leading to mutations that can disrupt normal cell growth and division. These mutations can accumulate over time and increase the risk of developing cancer. UV light is commonly found in sunlight and can also be emitted by artificial sources such as tanning beds. Therefore, it is important to protect our skin from excessive UV exposure to reduce the risk of cancer.

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11.

Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how much you already know about molecular genetics.

Correct Answer
1
2
3
4

Explanation
The answer to this question is 1,2,3,4 because it allows the respondent to rate their level of knowledge on molecular genetics on a scale of 1 to 4. A rating of 1 would indicate the lowest level of knowledge, while a rating of 4 would indicate the highest level of knowledge. By providing the options of 1, 2, 3, and 4, the question allows for a comprehensive assessment of the respondent's knowledge on the subject.

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4
12.

Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in molecular genetics.

Correct Answer
1
2
3
4

Explanation
The answer to this question is 1, 2, 3, 4 because it allows respondents to rate their level of interest in molecular genetics on a scale of 1 to 4. This provides a range of options for respondents to choose from, allowing them to indicate their level of interest accurately.

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4

Molecular Genetics Pre-assessment (Grade 7)

In the diagram below, which letter indicates a section of the molecule that includes all the components of a nucleotide (Standard 2.1 f)?

The presence of DNA is important for cellular metabolic activities because DNA (Standard 2.1g)

Protein has a great potential for variation of structure because (Standard 2.1i)

Mutations can be transmitted to the next generation only if they are present in (Standard 2.1h):

The structure and location of a cellular component is represented in the diagram shown. The polymer in the diagram most likely contains (Standard 2.1j):

Which statement is true (Standard 2.1k)?

Sometimes a section of a chromosome is lost during meiosis. This loss results in a change in genetic material known as (Standard 2.2d):

Based on the gel electrophoresis diagram below, which statement is most likely true:

A woman has a gene that causes a visual disorder. To prevent the gene from appearing in future generations, the defective gene would have to be repaired in the mother's (Standard 5.2h):

A mutagen implicated in cancer is (Standard 5.2i):

Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how much you already know about molecular genetics.

Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in molecular genetics.