High School Biology : Understanding Chromosomes and Genes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Dna Structure

Which of the following answers best describes the human genome.

Possible Answers:

The human genome consists of about 3.2 million base pairs and it has 23 (pairs of) chromosomes of equal length with widely varying numbers of genes. The genes can be transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein.

The human genome consists of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, has 23 (pairs of) chromosomes, and approximately 25,000 genes. The genes are arranged end to end along the contiguous DNA strand. Chromosomes are much shorter segments within the genes and can be transcribed into mRNA. Messenger RNA is then translated into protein.

The human genome consists of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, has 23 (pairs of) chromosomes, and approximately 25,000 genes. The chromosomes are arranged end to end along the contiguous DNA strand. Genes are much shorter segments within the chromosomes and can be translated into mRNA. Messenger RNA is then transcribed into protein.

The human genome consists of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, has 23 (pairs of) chromosomes, and approximately 25,000 genes. The chromosomes are arranged end to end along the contiguous DNA strand. Genes are much shorter segments within the chromosomes and can be transcribed into mRNA. Messenger RNA is then translated into protein.

The human genome consists of about 3.2 million base pairs and it has 23 (pairs of) genes of equal length with widely varying numbers of chromosomes. The chromosomes can be transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein.

Correct answer:

The human genome consists of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, has 23 (pairs of) chromosomes, and approximately 25,000 genes. The chromosomes are arranged end to end along the contiguous DNA strand. Genes are much shorter segments within the chromosomes and can be transcribed into mRNA. Messenger RNA is then translated into protein.

Explanation:

The human genome can be described as a chain of nucleotides that is 3.2 billion base pairs long. Twenty-three different lengths that are called chromosomes segment this string of material. Genes further segment the chromosomes. The chromosomes vary in length and so do their genes. DNA of a gene on a certain part of a certain chromosome can be transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into protein. The number of genes in our genome has been highly contested. It was originally believed that humans had over 100,000 genes. This number declined as we learned more about our genome and was more or less standardized to be around 25,000 upon completion of the Human Genome Project. 

Example Question #11 : Understanding Chromosomes And Genes

A genome is best described as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

A mapping unit for DNA

The DNA specifically found in bacterial cells 

A computer system for storing DNA information 

The entire set of DNA found within all chromosomes 

The free floating DNA found outside the nucleus 

Correct answer:

The entire set of DNA found within all chromosomes 

Explanation:

Based on the definition of genome, it is the entire set of DNA found within all the chromosomes an organism contains. The human genome is contained on 23 pairs of chromosomes, which code for about 25,000 genes. 

Example Question #12 : Understanding Chromosomes And Genes

Which of the following is not true about DNA?

Possible Answers:

DNA is negatively charged

DNA is double-stranded

DNA is made of amino acids

DNA wraps around histone proteins to form a compact structure

DNA nucleotides bond via hydrogen bonding

Correct answer:

DNA is made of amino acids

Explanation:

DNA nucleotides bond via hydrogen bonding to form the double helix structure. DNA is negatively charged due to the phosphates and binds to histones to form compact chromosomes in the nucleus. 

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