AP Bio Ch 14 DNA Structure & Function

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The structure of DNA is composed of two strands with complementary base pairing, allows cells to do this easily. The two strands can separate, with each strand serving as a template to generate a new complementary strand. Test out what more you know about the structure and function of DNA through this test!

Questions and Answers

1.

Which is NOT a major function of the genetic material?
- A.
  
  Store information
- B.
  
  Catalyze chemical reactions
- C.
  
  Replicate itself
- D.
  
  Undergo mutation
Correct Answer
B. Catalyze chemical reactions

Explanation
The genetic material is responsible for storing and transmitting information necessary for the functioning and development of an organism. It also undergoes replication to ensure the accurate transfer of genetic information to the next generation. Additionally, genetic material can undergo mutations, which contribute to genetic diversity. However, catalyzing chemical reactions is not a major function of genetic material. This function is primarily carried out by enzymes and other proteins.

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2.

Nucleic acid was first discovered in pus cells in
- A.
  
  1824.
- B.
  
  1869.
- C.
  
  1912.
- D.
  
  1931.
- E.
  
  1953.
Correct Answer
B. 1869.

Explanation
In 1869, Friedrich Miescher, a Swiss biochemist, discovered nucleic acids while studying the chemical composition of white blood cells. He isolated a substance from the nuclei of pus cells and named it "nuclein," which we now know as nucleic acid. This discovery laid the foundation for further research on nucleic acids and their role in genetics and heredity.

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2
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3.

The amount of adenine is always equal to the amount of _______ in DNA.
- A.
  
  Cytosine
- B.
  
  Uracil
- C.
  
  Guanine
- D.
  
  Thymine
- E.
  
  ATP
Correct Answer
D. Thymine

Explanation
In DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through hydrogen bonds. This means that the amount of adenine will always be equal to the amount of thymine in DNA. The other options, cytosine, uracil, guanine, and ATP, do not pair with adenine in DNA and are not equal in amount to adenine. Therefore, the correct answer is thymine.

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4.

The X-ray diffraction photography of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins was critical evidence of DNA.
- A.
  
  Indicating that DNA has a double helix structure.
- B.
  
  Showing equal numbers of purines and pyrimidines.
- C.
  
  Showing the bases of DNA were held together by hydrogen bonds.
- D.
  
  Revealing the structure of the deoxyribose sugar.
- E.
  
  Of the location of each adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine.
Correct Answer
A. Indicating that DNA has a double helix structure.

Explanation
The X-ray diffraction photography of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins provided evidence that DNA has a double helix structure. This means that DNA is shaped like a twisted ladder, with two strands that are connected by a series of base pairs. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the characteristic X-shape, which is indicative of a helical structure. This discovery was crucial in understanding the fundamental structure of DNA and its role in genetics and heredity.

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5.

Because one original strand of the double-stranded helix is found in each daughter cell, the replication process is called
- A.
  
  Proofreading.
- B.
  
  Semiconservative.
- C.
  
  Redundant.
- D.
  
  Freeing of DNA.
- E.
  
  Mutation positive.
Correct Answer
B. Semiconservative.

Explanation
During DNA replication, each original strand of the double helix serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. As a result, each daughter cell receives one original strand and one newly synthesized strand, conserving half of the original genetic information. This process is known as semiconservative replication. Proofreading refers to the mechanism that corrects errors during DNA replication. Redundant, freeing of DNA, and mutation positive are not accurate terms to describe the replication process.

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6.

Chargaff's rules showed that different species contain differing base compositions.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Chargaff's rules, discovered by Erwin Chargaff, state that in DNA, the amount of adenine (A) is equal to the amount of thymine (T), and the amount of guanine (G) is equal to the amount of cytosine (C). This means that the base composition of DNA varies between different species. Therefore, the statement that "Chargaff's rules showed that different species contain differing base compositions" is true.

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7.

The complementary bases of DNA are located on the outside of the helix, with the sugar-phosphate backbone on the inside.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because the complementary bases of DNA are located on the inside of the helix, while the sugar-phosphate backbone is on the outside. The bases, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C), forming the rungs of the DNA ladder. The backbone, made up of sugar and phosphate molecules, forms the sides of the ladder.

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8.

Complementary base pairing always pairs a purine with a pyrimidine.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Complementary base pairing refers to the specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. Adenine (purine) always pairs with thymine (pyrimidine) in DNA, and cytosine (pyrimidine) always pairs with guanine (purine). This pairing is essential for maintaining the structure and function of DNA. Therefore, the statement that complementary base pairing always pairs a purine with a pyrimidine is true.

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9.

Growth at two replication forks arising from a single origin of replication produce a "bubble" as daughter DNA molecules form.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement is true because during DNA replication, two replication forks are formed at a single origin of replication. These replication forks move in opposite directions, unwinding the DNA double helix and synthesizing new strands of DNA. As the replication forks progress, they create a "bubble" structure where the parental DNA strands separate and new daughter DNA molecules are synthesized. This bubble expands as replication continues, eventually leading to the formation of two complete daughter DNA molecules.

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AP Bio Ch 14 DNA Structure & Function

Which is NOT a major function of the genetic material?

Nucleic acid was first discovered in pus cells in

The amount of adenine is always equal to the amount of _______ in DNA.

The X-ray diffraction photography of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins was critical evidence of DNA.

Because one original strand of the double-stranded helix is found in each daughter cell, the replication process is called

Chargaff's rules showed that different species contain differing base compositions.

The complementary bases of DNA are located on the outside of the helix, with the sugar-phosphate backbone on the inside.

Complementary base pairing always pairs a purine with a pyrimidine.

Growth at two replication forks arising from a single origin of replication produce a "bubble" as daughter DNA molecules form.