DNA

Question 1

What does DNA stand for?

Answer 1

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Question 2

Who discovered the structure of DNA?

Answer 2

Watson and Crick

Question 3

What is the structure of DNA?

Answer 3

A double helix

Question 4

What are the sides of the DNA ‘ladder’ made of?

Answer 4

Alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate

Question 5

What are the rungs of the DNA ‘ladder’ made of?

Answer 5

Nitrogen bases

Question 6

List the four nitrogen bases in DNA.

Answer 6

• Adenine
• Thymine
• Cytosine
• Guanine

Question 7

What pairs with Adenine in DNA?

Answer 7

Thymine

Question 8

What pairs with Cytosine in DNA?

Answer 8

Guanine

Question 9

Fill in the blank: If there is 30% Adenine, there would be _______ Cytosine.

Answer 9

20%

Question 10

What is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself?

Answer 10

DNA Replication

Question 11

What happens during DNA replication?

Answer 11

The DNA ‘unzips’ down the center and each strand makes a copy of itself

Question 12

What are genes?

Answer 12

Segments of DNA that code for a particular trait

Question 13

What is the relationship between DNA, RNA, amino acids, and proteins?

Answer 13

DNA → RNA → amino acids → proteins

Question 14

What does RNA stand for?

Answer 14

Ribonucleic Acid

Question 15

How does RNA differ from DNA?

Answer 15

The sugar molecule is ribose and contains uracil instead of thymine

Question 16

What are the three types of RNA?

Answer 16

• Messenger RNA (mRNA)
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
• Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Question 17

What is the function of mRNA?

Answer 17

Carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes

Question 18

What is the function of rRNA?

Answer 18

Ribosomes are made of rRNA and protein

Question 19

What is the function of tRNA?

Answer 19

Brings amino acids to ribosomes to make proteins

Question 20

What are mutations?

Answer 20

Mistakes made when DNA is copied

Question 21

What are the possible outcomes of mutations?

Answer 21

• Lethal
• Helpful
• No effect

Question 22

What was the Human Genome Project?

Answer 22

A research project to map the location of each gene on our chromosomes

Question 23

When did the Human Genome Project start and finish?

Answer 23

Started October 1, 1990 and finished April 2003

Question 24

How many genes do humans have approximately?

Answer 24

30,000 genes

Question 25

What is genetic engineering?

Answer 25

Used to alter the genes in a cell

Question 26

What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

Answer 26

Organisms that have had their genes altered

Question 27

Give an example of a genetically modified organism.

Answer 27

Corn that is lethal to insects due to a toxin-producing gene from bacteria

Question 28

What is one use of genetically modified bacteria?

Answer 28

To produce the hormone insulin to treat diabetes

Question 29

What do genetically modified goats produce?

Answer 29

An anticoagulant in their milk

Question 30

Fill in the blank: A toxin-producing gene from bacteria has been combined with the DNA of _______ and corn making it lethal to insects.

Answer 30

rice (Bt-rice)

Question 31

What is one notable outcome of genetic engineering in animals?

Answer 31

Scientists have produced glow-in-the-dark animals