AP Biology : AP Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Understand Steps Of Transcription

Which statement is true regarding DNA?

Possible Answers:

It is a protein

It is a single-stranded molecule

It contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil

It contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine

It cannot be replicated

Correct answer:

It contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine

Explanation:

DNA is a nucleic acid, made up of the nucleotides, which contain a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases. These bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. DNA is double-stranded, but transiently single-stranded during DNA replication and transcription.

Example Question #2 : Understand Steps Of Transcription

What is the role of an activator?

Possible Answers:

Binds to RNA polymerase to initiate transcription 

Activates transcription of the entire genome

Decreases transcription of a specific gene

Increases transcription of a specific gene

Correct answer:

Increases transcription of a specific gene

Explanation:

Activators are proteins that increase transcription of a specific gene. Activators bind to promoters and often coactivators to facilitate binding of the pre-activation complex and initiation complexes; therefore, they stimulate the transcription of a given gene. 

Example Question #3 : Understand Steps Of Transcription

Where does RNA polymerase bind during transcription?

Possible Answers:

RNA polymerase binds to the sequence downstream of the promoter sequence.

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter sequence within the DNA template.

RNA polymerase binds to the activators.

RNA polymerase binds to the transcription factors. 

Correct answer:

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter sequence within the DNA template.

Explanation:

During transcription, RNA polymerase enzymes bind to DNA promoter sequences. This binding is facilitated by the pre-initiation complex (composed of transcription factors, the promoter sequence, activators, and repressors) as well as RNA polymerase. In eukaryotic cells, certain transcription factors must bind to the promoter sequence before RNA polymerase can. This is due to an inability of RNA polymerase to independently recognize the promoter sequence. Once RNA polymerase does bind, transcription can be initiated. 

Example Question #16 : Central Dogma

Which of the following proteins play a role in proofreading during transcription?

Possible Answers:

Activators

RNA polymerase

RNA ligase

Transcription factors

Correct answer:

RNA polymerase

Explanation:

Proofreading occurs during the elongation phase of transcription. RNA polymerase's movement over the DNA template strand includes a backtracking motion that allows RNA polymerase to proofread the newly synthesized RNA transcript.

Example Question #17 : Central Dogma

Which of the following is the central dogma of biology?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The genetic information in a cell is stored in its DNA. Through transcription, the cell is able to create RNA from DNA. This RNA is called mRNA. The mRNA is then able to create protein through translation. Thus, the flow of information is from DNA to RNA to protein. 

Example Question #2291 : Ap Biology

What type of chromatin would be found in telomeres and centromeres?

Possible Answers:

Either heterochromatin or euchromatin, depending on the cell type

Heterochromatin

Euchromatin

Neither heterochromatin nor euchromatin

Both heterochromatin and euchromatin

Correct answer:

Heterochromatin

Explanation:

Telomeres and centromeres are composed of heterochromatin. In contrast to euchromatin, heterochromatin's genes are generally in an inactive state. This is because the genetic material is highly condensed. Often, heterochromatin is thought of as "junk DNA". Since telomeres are slowly being degraded during DNA replication, the cell does not want to have active or important genes in this area. Same goes for centromeres, where there is the possibility of chromatids not separating evenly across the centromere in anaphase. 

Example Question #2292 : Ap Biology

If a DNA template (the strand actively being transcribed) begins with AAGGCTCGGAA, what will the nascent RNA template begin with?

Possible Answers:

TTCCGAGCCTT

AAGGCTCGGAA

CCTTAGATTCC

AUGUGUTTCUG

UUCCGAGCCUU

Correct answer:

UUCCGAGCCUU

Explanation:

Simply create a complementary strand of RNA with matching base pairs, but substitute uracil (U) for thymine (T), since RNA does not use thymine base pairs.

The answer choice starting with AUG might seem appropriate since it is the start codon, however, realize that the rest of the base pairs do not match up to the DNA template. Further, RNA templates do not begin right at the start codon; there are promotoer and enhancer regions of DNA that are transcribed well before the first exon is transcribed with its AUG start codon.

Example Question #2293 : Ap Biology

Eukaryotic DNA is packed in a chromatin structure, making it hard for DNA to be transcribed. What proteins are associated with the packing of DNA? 

Possible Answers:

Myosin

Collagen

Histones

Actin

Polymerases

Correct answer:

Histones

Explanation:

Histones are associated with DNA packed in chromatin. Acetylation of these histones allows for DNA transcription. Other proteins mentioned play no part in DNA chromatin structure.

Polymerases are active during DNA repair and transcription. Collagen is a fibrous protein associated with the extracellular matrix. Actin and myosin are myofilaments active in muscle contraction.

Example Question #2294 : Ap Biology

In transcription, the promoter is __________.

Possible Answers:

a sequence of DNA that designates the starting point for RNA polymerase

a protein that increases the transcription levels for a given gene

a protein that guides RNA polymerase to the starting point

an RNA sequence that signals the start of translation

Correct answer:

a sequence of DNA that designates the starting point for RNA polymerase

Explanation:

Transcription requires a DNA sequence that signals the RNA polymerase where to begin transcribing a given gene. The promoter is the DNA sequence that allows the RNA polymerase to bind to the right spot on the DNA and begin transcription. This prevents transcription of partial proteins or protein fragments that would be non-functional and possibly harmful to the cell.

Example Question #2295 : Ap Biology

Where does transcription take place in eukaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Ribosomes

The cytoplasm

The rough endoplasmic reticulum

The nucleus

Correct answer:

The nucleus

Explanation:

Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. In eukaryotic cells, chromosomal DNA is contained within the nucleus. Transcription requires access to this DNA, and therefore must occur in the nucleus. Resulting RNA molecules are then shuttled out of the nucleus to be used in other processes.

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