Understanding Mutations in Biology

Which of the following is a type of gene mutation that involves the substitution of one base for another?

• Deletion

• Insertion

• Substitution

• Duplication

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What is the term for an agent that causes mutations in DNA?

• Enzyme

• Mutagen

• Chromosome

• Protein

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Which of the following genetic disorders is caused by a mutation in a single gene?

• Down syndrome

• Sickle cell anemia

• Turner syndrome

• Klinefelter syndrome

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Which process can be directly affected by a mutation in the DNA sequence of a gene?

• Photosynthesis

• Protein synthesis

• Cellular respiration

• Mitosis

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Which of the following best describes how a frameshift mutation occurs?

• A base is replaced by another base

• A base is added or removed, changing the reading frame

• A chromosome is duplicated

• A gene is silenced

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Explain how exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can lead to mutations in skin cells.

• UV light increases cell division

• UV light causes changes in the DNA sequence

• UV light removes proteins from cells

• UV light adds extra chromosomes

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Which of the following best explains why not all mutations result in a change in the protein produced?

• All mutations are harmful

• Some mutations occur in non-coding regions or are silent

• Mutations always stop protein synthesis

• Proteins are not made from DNA

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A scientist observes a population of bacteria exposed to an antibiotic. Over time, some bacteria survive and reproduce. Which concept does this scenario best illustrate?

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection due to beneficial mutations

• Artificial selection

• Genetic engineering

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A student claims that all mutations are harmful. Using your knowledge of mutations and evolution, how would you respond to this claim?

• Agree, because mutations always cause diseases

• Disagree, because some mutations are neutral or beneficial and can lead to evolution

• Agree, because mutations only occur in somatic cells

• Disagree, because mutations never affect organisms

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A certain chemical is found to increase the rate of mutations in laboratory animals and is also linked to the development of cancer. What is the most accurate classification for this chemical?

• Only a mutagen

• Only a carcinogen

• Both a mutagen and a carcinogen

• Neither a mutagen nor a carcinogen