Evolution and Comparative Genomics Quiz

What was absent in the early conditions of Earth?

• Carbon dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Water

Answer explanation

Oxygen was absent in the early conditions of Earth.

Which molecules are known to be self-replicating?

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

• RNA and DNA

• Proteins

Answer explanation

RNA and DNA are known to be self-replicating molecules, allowing them to duplicate and pass on genetic information.

What is the role of ribozymes?

• Form peptide bonds

• Transport molecules

• Act like enzymes

• Store genetic information

Answer explanation

Ribozymes act like enzymes by catalyzing chemical reactions within cells.

What does the theory of endosymbiosis propose?

• Proteins were the first organic molecules

• RNA came before DNA

• Chloroplasts and mitochondria were once prokaryotic organisms

• Cells evolved from simple to complex

Answer explanation

The theory of endosymbiosis proposes that chloroplasts and mitochondria were once prokaryotic organisms.

Which of the following is NOT a similarity between mitochondria and prokaryotic cells?

• Inner membranes

• Binary fission

• Circular DNA

• Linear chromosomes

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Linear chromosomes' because prokaryotic cells have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells like mitochondria have linear chromosomes.

What does comparative genomics help establish?

• The structure of DNA

• The age of the Earth

• The origin of life

• Evolutionary relationships between species

Answer explanation

Comparative genomics helps establish evolutionary relationships between species by analyzing similarities and differences in their genetic material.

What is a homologous structure?

• A structure unique to one species

• A structure that has no function

• A structure with a similar origin but different function

• A structure with a different origin but similar function

Answer explanation

A homologous structure is a structure with a similar origin but different function, indicating evolutionary relationships between species.

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure?

• Fish gills and human lungs

• Human hands and whale fins

• Plant roots and stems

• Insect wings and bird wings

Answer explanation

Homologous structures are similar structures in different species due to shared ancestry. Human hands and whale fins are homologous as they both have similar bone structure, indicating a common evolutionary origin.

What is the function of the rRNA component of ribosomes?

• Replicate DNA

• Catalyse peptide bond formation

• Store genetic information

• Transport amino acids

Answer explanation

The function of the rRNA component of ribosomes is to catalyse peptide bond formation.

What assumption is made in comparative genomics regarding mutations?

• Mutations are unique to each species

• Mutations are always harmful

• Mutations accumulate at a calculable rate

• Mutations do not accumulate over time

Answer explanation

In comparative genomics, the assumption is that mutations accumulate at a calculable rate, allowing for comparisons between species based on these mutations.