Genetics Vocabulary Quiz

What is a mutation?

• A type of gene

• A change in the DNA sequence

• A type of protein

• A method of genetic regulation

What is a point mutation?

• A mutation affecting only one or very few nucleotides in a gene sequence

• A mutation that deletes a section of DNA

• A mutation that adds extra DNA into the genome

• A mutation that occurs in every cell of the body

What is a frameshift mutation?

• A mutation that shifts the "reading frame" of the genetic message

• A mutation that changes a single base pair

• A mutation that does not affect the phenotype

• A mutation that occurs in non-coding regions of DNA

What is a mutagen?

• A type of mutation

• An agent that causes mutations

• A protein that repairs DNA

• A gene that prevents mutations

What does polyploidy refer to?

• A mutation in a single gene

• The presence of a single set of chromosomes

• The condition of having more than two complete sets of chromosomes

• A type of frameshift mutation

What is an operon?

• A type of mutation

• A segment of DNA that includes a series of genes

• A protein that binds to DNA

• A group of genes that are regulated together

What is the role of an operator in genetic regulation?

• It is a segment of DNA to which a repressor binds

• It is a protein that enhances gene expression

• It is a type of gene that causes mutations

• It is a molecule that interferes with RNA

What is RNA interference?

• A process that increases the expression of certain genes

• A mutation in the RNA sequence

• A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression

• A method of introducing new genes into an organism

What is the function of homeotic genes?

• They determine the basic structure and orientation of an organism

• They cause mutations in homeobox genes

• They regulate the cell cycle

• They repair damaged DNA

What is unique about hox genes?

• They are only found in humans

• They play a role in determining the body plan of an organism

• They are involved in RNA interference

• They are unaffected by mutations