Molecular Genetics- DNA Replication MCQ Test

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Elly Crook
E
Elly Crook
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 27 | Total Attempts: 11,211
Questions: 20 | Attempts: 627

SettingsSettingsSettings
Molecular Genetics- DNA Replication MCQ Test - Quiz

The main objective of this molecular genetics knowledge MCQ test is to test your general understanding of the eukaryotic cell cycle and a sound understanding of DNA replication principles. Let's see if you can get past this quiz without getting a single answer wrong. So, are you ready?


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    ____________ are highly repetitive DNA that allow the ends of chromosomes to be replicated; also protect the ends of chromosomes as being mistaken as broken 

    Explanation
    Telomeres are highly repetitive DNA sequences that play a crucial role in the replication and protection of chromosome ends. They provide a protective cap at the ends of chromosomes, preventing them from being recognized as broken DNA strands and triggering unnecessary repair mechanisms. Telomeres also allow for the complete replication of chromosomes during cell division by preventing the loss of genetic material from the ends. Overall, telomeres ensure the stability and integrity of chromosomes, allowing cells to divide and function properly.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    _________ are repetitive DNA that forms the spindle attachment in mitosis.

    Explanation
    Centromeres are repetitive DNA sequences that play a crucial role in cell division, specifically in the formation of the spindle attachment during mitosis. They are responsible for ensuring the proper segregation of chromosomes by connecting them to the spindle fibers. Centromeres are essential for the accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells during cell division.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    ________________ are special sequences where duplication of the DNA begins; each chromosome will have many. 

    Explanation
    Origins of replication are specific sequences in DNA where the process of DNA duplication begins. Each chromosome contains multiple origins of replication, which allow for the replication of the entire DNA molecule. These origins are essential for ensuring that the genetic information is accurately and efficiently copied during cell division.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    ______________ replication means that each new DNA molecule produced in replication contains one of the original strands of DNA and one new strand.

    Explanation
    Semiconservative replication refers to the process in which each new DNA molecule produced during replication contains one original strand of DNA and one newly synthesized strand. This means that the DNA molecule is composed of both old and new strands, ensuring the preservation of genetic information. The term "semiconservative" is commonly used in molecular biology to describe this type of replication.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    Name the enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis.

    Explanation
    DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis. It catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides, resulting in the synthesis of a new DNA strand complementary to the template strand. DNA polymerase also proofreads the newly synthesized DNA strand, correcting any errors in nucleotide incorporation. This enzyme is essential for DNA replication, repair, and other DNA-dependent processes in all living organisms.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    True or False: DNA synthesis occurs in a 5' to 3' direction.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    DNA synthesis occurs in a 5' to 3' direction because DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands, can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand. This means that the template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction, and the new complementary strand is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction. This directionality is important for the accurate replication of DNA during cell division.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    True or False: RNA polymerase is more accurate than DNA polymerase.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    FALSE.
    DNA polymerase is actually more accurate than RNA polymerase.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Name the enzyme involved in 'proofreading' DNA by removing nucleotides from the 3' end of a polynucleotide chain.

    Correct Answer
    Exonuclease
    Exonucleases
    Explanation
    Exonuclease and Exonucleases are enzymes involved in the proofreading process of DNA by removing nucleotides from the 3' end of a polynucleotide chain. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of DNA replication and repair mechanisms. These enzymes help in removing any incorrect or damaged nucleotides from the growing DNA strand, ensuring the fidelity of genetic information.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    DNA replication is bidirectional, resulting in the formation of ___________________.

    Correct Answer
    replication bubbles
    A replication bubble
    Explanation
    During DNA replication, the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two strands. The replication process occurs bidirectionally, meaning that replication proceeds in opposite directions on each strand. As the replication forks move along the DNA strands, they create "bubbles" where the DNA is unwound and actively being replicated. These replication bubbles are formed as a result of the bidirectional replication process and are essential for the synthesis of new DNA strands. Therefore, the correct answer is replication bubbles.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    True or False: Bacterial DNA contains histone proteins.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Bacterial DNA does not contain histone proteins. Histones are proteins that help in packaging and organizing DNA in eukaryotic cells, but they are not present in bacteria. Bacterial DNA is typically organized and compacted by other mechanisms, such as supercoiling and the presence of nucleoid-associated proteins. Therefore, the statement that bacterial DNA contains histone proteins is false.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Name the short, newly synthesised DNA fragments found on the lagging template during DNA synthesis...

    Correct Answer
    Okazaki fragments
    Okazaki
    Explanation
    Okazaki fragments are short, newly synthesized DNA fragments that are found on the lagging template during DNA synthesis. They are formed during the replication of the lagging strand, which occurs in short segments due to the antiparallel nature of DNA. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in fragments. These fragments are then joined together by DNA ligase to form a complete DNA strand. Okazaki fragments were named after the Japanese scientist Reiji Okazaki, who first discovered and characterized them.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Name the enzyme that prevents base pairing until DNA polymerase arrives.

    Correct Answer
    Single stranded binding protein
    Single-stranded binding protein
    SS Binding protein
    SS-binding protein
    Explanation
    The enzyme that prevents base pairing until DNA polymerase arrives is the single-stranded binding protein (SSBP). This protein binds to the single-stranded DNA during DNA replication and prevents it from reannealing or forming secondary structures. By keeping the DNA single-stranded, the SSBP ensures that the DNA polymerase can effectively bind and synthesize the complementary strand. The various variations of the name (Single stranded binding protein, Single-stranded binding protein, SS Binding protein, SS-binding protein) all refer to the same enzyme.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    What is the name given to proteins that load histones onto newly synthesised DNA?

    Correct Answer
    Histone chaperones
    Explanation
    Histone chaperones are proteins that are responsible for loading histones onto newly synthesized DNA. Histones are proteins that help in organizing and packaging DNA into a compact structure called chromatin. During DNA replication, histone chaperones bind to newly synthesized DNA strands and facilitate the assembly of histones onto the DNA, ensuring proper chromatin formation. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome. Therefore, the term "histone chaperones" accurately describes the proteins involved in this process.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    Helicase unwinding of DNA causes supercoiling (“twists”) ahead of the replication fork which need to be unwound by enzymes called _____________. 

    Correct Answer
    topoisomerases
    topoisomerase
    Explanation
    During DNA replication, helicase unwinds the double helix structure of DNA, causing supercoiling or twisting ahead of the replication fork. This supercoiling needs to be resolved or unwound in order for the replication process to continue smoothly. Enzymes called topoisomerases are responsible for this task. They are able to cut the DNA strands, allowing them to rotate and relieve the tension caused by supercoiling. Once the tension is released, the topoisomerases reseal the DNA strands, ensuring the proper unwinding and replication of the DNA.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    _______________ proteins detect and correct incorrect base pairing in newly-synthesised DNA.

    Correct Answer
    Mismatch repair
    MutS
    Explanation
    Mismatch repair proteins, such as MutS, play a crucial role in detecting and correcting incorrect base pairing in newly-synthesized DNA. These proteins recognize and bind to mismatches or errors in the DNA sequence. Once bound, they recruit other proteins to remove the incorrect base and replace it with the correct one. This process helps to maintain the integrity and fidelity of the DNA sequence, preventing the accumulation of mutations that can lead to genetic disorders or diseases.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 04, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Elly Crook
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.