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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Which of the following prevents the digestion of mRNA by exonucleases?(a) methyl-guanosine cap(b) methylene blue(c) poly(A) tail(d) bromophenol blueI have been asked this question in semester exam.My doubt stems from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT CHOICE is (a) methyl-guanosine cap

The best explanation: The methylguanosine cap at the 5’ end of the MRNA PREVENTS its digestion by the exonucleases and also plays an important role in the initiation of TRANSLATION.
2.

Micro RNAs participate in ______________(a) posttranslational modification(b) posttranscriptional modification(c) chromatin remodeling(d) gene silencingThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.The question is from Gene Expression topic in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) gene silencing

The EXPLANATION: Micro RNAs (mi RNAs) are processed from the same machinery as SMALL interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and play a role in posttranscriptional RNA silencing pathways.

3.

Which technique was used to find the relationship between 15S and 10S globin RNAs?(a) S-loop formation(b) R-loop formation(c) Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(d) Polymerase chain reactionI got this question in a national level competition.My question comes from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) R-loop FORMATION

Explanation: The technique known as R-loop formation was employed by SHIRLEY Tilghman, Philip Leder, and their co-workers at the National Institutes of Health for discerning the relationship between 15S and 10S globin RNAs.
4.

Genes with intervening (non-coding) sequences are called ___________________(a) axons(b) exons(c) split genes(d) jumping genesI had been asked this question at a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Gene Expression topic in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (c) split genes

The explanation is: The genes with INTERVENING, non-CODING regions are called spit-genes. The coding part is called exon and non-coding part is called intron.
5.

The “S” in the 80S ribosomes stands for _______________(a) Svedberg’s units(b) Sedimentation coefficient(c) Sulphur-labeled(d) SupersonicThe question was posed to me during a job interview.Enquiry is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (a) SVEDBERG’s units

For EXPLANATION: “S” STANDS for Svedbergs, a measure of how fast the molecule moves in a centrifuge. The rate of sedimentation is related to the SHAPE and size of the molecule.

6.

The synthesis of polypeptide can be divided into ______ distinct activities.(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4The question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This key question is from Gene Expression in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (C) 3

To elaborate: The synthesis of POLYPEPTIDES, termed as translation, involves 3 distinct ACTIVITIES: initiation of the chain, elongation of the chain, and termination of the chain.

7.

The length of tRNA molecules is ________________ nucleotides.(a) 20-30(b) 50-70(c) 73-93(d) 83-93The question was asked during an interview for a job.This intriguing question comes from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) 73-93

To EXPLAIN I would say: All the transfer RNA molecules are ROUGHLY the same length i.e. between 73 to 93 nucleotides. All the tRNAs also have a SIGNIFICANT percentage of posttranscriptionally modified bases.

8.

All mRNA precursors are synthesized by ___________________(a) RNA polymerase I(b) RNA polymerase II(c) RNA polymerase III(d) RNA polymerase IVI have been asked this question in an online quiz.This is a very interesting question from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) RNA polymerase II

The explanation is: All eukaryotic mRNA PRECURSORS are synthesized by RNA polymerase II, it is conserved from yeast to MAMMALS.

9.

When were the first structures of ribosomal subunits made by scientists?(a) 1980(b) 1990(c) 2000(d) 2010This question was posed to me in quiz.Enquiry is from Gene Expression topic in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (C) 2000

Best explanation: The FIRST structures of ribosomal subunits were made in the year 2000 by scientists Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, THOMAS A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath, which is available in the Protein DATA Bank.

10.

Which of the following has the smallest half life?(a) hnRNA(b) mRNA(c) tRNA(d) siRNAI had been asked this question in an international level competition.Query is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (a) HNRNA

Easiest EXPLANATION: Heterogeneous NUCLEAR RNA (hnRNA) has the SMALLEST half, it is processed into mRNAs shortly after or even during synthesis.

11.

Which of the following enzymes are used in the process of transcription?(a) DNA polymerases(b) RNA polymerases(c) DNA helicase(d) DNA topoisomeraseThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (b) RNA polymerases

To ELABORATE: RNA polymerases or DNA-dependent RNA polymerases are the enzymes RESPONSIBLE for transcription in both eukaryotes and PROKARYOTES.

12.

Who elaborated on the significance of codons?(a) George Gamow(b) Thomas Morgan(c) H. J. Muller(d) James WatsonI have been asked this question during an interview.This interesting question is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (a) George Gamow

For explanation I would say: George Gamow proposed that a group of three NUCLEOTIDES, called codons, are responsible for encoding an AMINO acid in the polypeptide chain. The PROCESS of PROTEIN synthesis is REFERRED to as translation.

13.

What is the intermediate between a gene and its polypeptide?(a) mRNA(b) tRNA(c) rRNA(d) siRNAI had been asked this question in a national level competition.This intriguing question comes from Gene Expression in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) mRNA

The BEST explanation: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the intermediate between a GENE and its polypeptide, discovered in 1961. The other types of RNA PLAY DIVERSE roles in a cell.

14.

Transfer RNAs decode the information present in __________________(a) mRNA(b) siRNA(c) miRNA(d) rRNAThe question was asked in final exam.The query is from Gene Expression topic in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) MRNA

The explanation: Transfer RNAs have the ROLE of decoding the information present in the messenger RNA MOLECULE (mRNA) and direct the ASSEMBLY of amino acids on a polypeptide CHAIN.

15.

The RNA polymerase engaged in transcription is ____________(a) acidic(b) alkaline(c) phosphorylated(d) non-phosphorylatedThis question was posed to me in an online quiz.My doubt is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (c) phosphorylated

Best explanation: The RNA polymerase engaged in TRANSCRIPTION is heavily phosphorylated while the same enzyme assembled into the pre-initiation COMPLEX (PIC) is not phosphorylated.
16.

Ribonuclease P is involve in the processing of ___________________(a) sno RNA(b) rRNA(c) pre-tRNA(d) pre-mRNAI had been asked this question in an interview.Question is from Gene Expression in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (C) pre-tRNA

The explanation: Ribobuclease P is an endonuclease present both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. It is involved in the processing of pre-tRNA. TRANSFER RNA is synthesized from the processed PRIMARY transcript.

17.

The human genome consists of _____ rDNA.(a) 2(b) 4(c) 5(d) 7I had been asked this question in my homework.Enquiry is from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) 2

The best I can explain: The human genome has five different CLUSTERS of ribosomal DNA, each on a different chromosome. Ribosomal DNA is the part of DNA that codes for ribosomal RNA, the most abundance type of RNA in a cell.
18.

Promoter is a ____________________(a) gene(b) site on DNA(c) site on RNA(d) toxinI have been asked this question during an online exam.My enquiry is from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (b) site on DNA

Easiest explanation: Promoter is sequence on the DNA which is the site of binding for RNA polymerase, prior to INITIATION of transcription.

19.

Dicer converts double-stranded RNAs into _______________(a) snRNA(b) siRNA(c) mRNA(d) tRNAI had been asked this question in an interview.I would like to ask this question from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (B) siRNA

For explanation: Dicer is a type of RIBONUCLEASE that FRAGMENTS double-stranded RNAs into smaller fragments called SMALL interfering RNAs (siRNA).

20.

The degeneracy of code was originally predicted by __________________(a) Charles Darwin(b) Francis Crick(c) Robert Hooke(d) James WatsonI got this question in exam.Asked question is from Gene Expression in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Francis Crick

Explanation: The degeneracy of codon was predicted by Francis Crick, he considered the great range in base composition of various BACTERIA. The G + C CONTENT of the genomes varied from 20 to 74 PERCENT, whereas the AMINO acid composition of the proteins from these organisms showed little VARIATION.

21.

The genetic code is degenerate.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in an online interview.This intriguing question originated from Gene Expression in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (a) True

To explain: The genetic code is DEGENERATE because one amino acid can be ENCODED by more than one CODON. A codon is a group of three nucleotides and amino acid is a CONSTITUENT of the POLYPEPTIDE chain.

22.

Which type of RNAs suppress the movement of transposons in the germline?(a) mRNAs(b) piRNAs(c) miRNAs(d) tRNAsThe question was posed to me during an online interview.The question is from Gene Expression topic in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) piRNAs

Explanation: Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a distinct CLASS of RNA molecules that PREVENT the movement of transposable elements in the GERM cells. These RNAs associate with PIWI PROTEINS, a subclass of ARGONAUTE family.

23.

The first RNAi therapeutics was aimed at treating ______________________(a) muscular dystrophy(b) macular degeneration(c) multiple myeloma(d) neurodegenerationThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.The above asked question is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (b) macular degeneration

The best explanation: The first test RNAi (RNA interference) THERAPEUTICS came against macular degeneration. It is a disease responsible for loss of vision in the elderly, CHARACTERIZED by overgrowth of blood vessels behind the retina.
24.

Which enzyme unwinds the DNA?(a) helicase(b) topoisomerase(c) nuclease(d) endonucleaseThis question was addressed to me in an interview for job.My enquiry is from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) helicase

To elaborate: The enzymes that unwind the DNA are known as DNA HELICASES. Unwinding of DNA ENABLES the ACCESS of POLYMERASE.
25.

Which of the following gene encodes for the white of a chicken egg?(a) ovalbumin(b) globulin(c) troponin(d) dystrophinThe question was asked by my college director while I was bunking the class.The origin of the question is Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (a) OVALBUMIN

To EXPLAIN I would say: The gene that codes for the white of a chicken is ovalbumin. The promoter of this gene is located between 24 and 32 BASES upstream in the region CALLED TATA box.

26.

Transfer RNAs (tRNA) are transcribed by _________________(a) pre-RNA(b) rDNA(c) tDNA(d) siRNAThe question was asked in an interview for internship.I want to ask this question from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (c) tDNA

To explain I would SAY: CLUSTERS of tDNA located WITHIN the GENOME are responsible for the transcription of transfer RNAs. Transfer RNAs primarily function in the translation of proteins.

27.

How many post-translational modifications occur in the pre-rRNA (primary transcript)?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4The question was asked in exam.My doubt is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (b) 2

Explanation: Two types of post-translational modifications are characteristic of pre-rRNA, large number of methylated nucleotides and pseudouridine RESIDUES. These MAKE the pre-rRNA peculiar and contrasting from other PRIMARY RNA TRANSCRIPTS.

28.

Which of the two strands of DNA will be transcribed is determined by the _______________(a) RNA polymerase(b) DNA polymerase(c) Promoter sequence(d) Inducer sequenceThis question was posed to me in examination.The query is from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (c) Promoter sequence

The best I can explain: In addition to being a binding SITE for RNA POLYMERASE, promoter sequences contain the information that DETERMINES which of the two strands is transcribed and the site where transcription is initiated.

29.

The enzyme aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase is responsible for linking ____________________________(a) amino acid to tRNA(b) amino acid to mRNA(c) carboxyl to tRNA(d) carboxyl to mRNAI had been asked this question in an online quiz.The doubt is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»
30.

Which region of the tRNA molecule is highly variable?(a) a(b) b(c) c(d) dI got this question in quiz.This is a very interesting question from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (b) b

To explain: The greatest VARIABILITY among the DIVERSE transfer RNA molecules OCCURS in the variability ARM. It is 4 to 21 nucleotides in LENGTH, located amidst the T-arm and anticodon.

31.

First artificially synthesized gene sequence was _________________(a) poly(U)(b) poly(A)(c) poly(G)(d) poly(C)The question was asked during an online interview.Enquiry is from Gene Expression in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (a) poly(U)

EASY explanation: First artificial genetic message was synthesized by Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich Matthaei, composed of uridine residues CALLED poly(U). They were able to synthesize BACTERIAL proteins using the poly(U), ribosomes, amino ACIDS and soluble FACTORS.

32.

The first amino acid incorporated at the N-terminus of polypeptide is ___________________(a) methionine(b) cysteine(c) tryptophan(d) valineThis question was posed to me in an online quiz.This is a very interesting question from Gene Expression topic in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) METHIONINE

The explanation: The INITIATION codon AUG, CODES for the AMINO acid methionine. It is the first amino acid to be incorporated at the N-terminus of a nascent polypeptide, in bacteria it is formylmethionine.

33.

Initiation factors are ______________________(a) lipids(b) soluble proteins(c) lipopolysaccharides(d) phospholipidsThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.I need to ask this question from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (b) SOLUBLE proteins

Easiest explanation: Initiation FACTORS are the soluble proteins that help in initiating the polypeptide chain formation. Bacterial CELLS have three initiation factors IF1, IF2, and IF3.

34.

Shine-Dalgarno sequence is present in the ____________________(a) hnRNA(b) mRNA(c) tRNA(d) siRNAThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) mRNA

To elaborate: The Shine-Dalgarno sequence is present 5-10 NUCLEOTIDES upstream of the initiation CODON in the bacterial mRNA. The 16S ribosomal RNA has a COMPLEMENTARY sequence for it which leads to the binding of 30S SMALL ribosomal SUBUNIT on the mRNA strand.

35.

All mature tRNAs have the sequence CCA at their 3’ end.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question at a job interview.My query is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) True

For explanation I would say: All mature transfer RNA molecules have the CHARACTERISTIC trinucleotide SEQUENCE CCA at their 3’ end. This sequence is ENCODED in the tRNA gene in prokaryotes while it is added enzymatically in EUKARYOTES.

36.

A change in nucleotide sequence that does not affect the amino acid sequence is called _____________ change.(a) insignificant(b) significant(c) synonymous(d) nonsynonymousThe question was asked during an interview for a job.I want to ask this question from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) synonymous

To elaborate: Changes in the genome occur throughout the evolution and among all the species. A change in the nucleotide SEQUENCE of the GENE that does not affect the amino acid sequence of the POLYPEPTIDE is CALLED a synonymous change.

37.

When was it first discovered that RNA molecules are capable of catalyzing chemical reactions?(a) 1962(b) 1972(c) 1982(d) 1992The question was asked in an interview for job.My question comes from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) 1982

Explanation: In the year 1982, Thomas CECH and colleagues at the University of Colorado first obtained the EVIDENCE of RNA molecules being capable of CATALYZING chemical REACTIONS.
38.

After transcribing into RNA, the gene is spliced out of the genome.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in examination.The above asked question is from Gene Expression in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (b) False

For explanation I WOULD say: After transcription of the gene, i.e. production of a MESSENGER RNA from the DNA SEQUENCE of the gene, the gene stays in place stored away as GENETIC information.

39.

How many types of distinct ribosomal RNAs are present in eukaryotic ribosomes?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4I got this question in an online interview.The doubt is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) 4

The BEST explanation: Eukaryotic RIBOSOME or the 80S ribosome is made up of 2 unequal SUBUNITS(40S and 60S). The 40S subunit contains a 18S rRNA and the 60S subunit contains the 28S, 5S and the 5.8S rRNAs. Therefore the eukaryotic ribosomes have 4 rRNAs.
40.

How many codons do not code for amino acids?(a) 3(b) 5(c) 9(d) 11This question was addressed to me in examination.This is a very interesting question from Gene Expression in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (a) 3

To EXPLAIN I would say: There are 64 possible codons because each CODON consists of 3 NUCLEOTIDES and there are 4 types of nucleotides. Out of the 64 codons, 3 have a special FUNCTION of being termination codons.

41.

Aggregated clusters of rDNA in a cell are called _______________(a) nucleoli(b) chromatin(c) chromosome(d) ribosomeI had been asked this question in an online quiz.My query is from Gene Expression in section Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) nucleoli

The BEST I can EXPLAIN: In a non-dividing cell (the cell which is in interphase), the clusters of rDNA come together to form IRREGULARLY shaped nuclear STRUCTURES called nucleolus (plural nucleoli). The nucleoli are dense with primary RNA transcripts.

42.

In bacteria, binding of _________ factor to the RNA polymerase increases its affinity for promoter sites in the DNA.(a) alpha(b) sigma(c) rho(d) betaThis question was addressed to me in an interview.My question is from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) sigma

The explanation: In BACTERIA, binding of the sigma FACTOR to RNA polymerase enzyme increases the latter’s AFFINITY for promoter sequences in the DNA.
43.

Which of the following play a role in structural support?(a) rRNA(b) mRNA(c) tDNA(d) tRNAThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.This key question is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (a) rRNA

Explanation: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a role in structural SUPPORT and catalyzes the reaction in which amino ACIDS are linked to ONE another.

44.

The “wobble hypothesis” was proposed by ______________________(a) James Watson(b) Barbara McClintock(c) Thomas Morgan(d) Francis CrickThe question was asked in my homework.My question comes from Gene Expression topic in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) Francis Crick

The EXPLANATION: The “wobble hypothesis” was PROPOSED by Francis Crick in his view that transfer RNA can recognize more than one codon. In the hypothesis, he proposed that two codons that differ only in the third position can use the same TRNA for protein synthesis.
45.

When was the first base sequence of a transfer RNA reported?(a) 1935(b) 1945(c) 1955(d) 1965The question was asked during an interview.Enquiry is from Gene Expression in division Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) 1965

The best I can EXPLAIN: Robert Holley of Cornell University, after seven years of work in 1965 reported the first base sequence of a YEAST transfer RNA. This tRNA composed of 77 nucleotides and CARRIED the amino acid alanine.

46.

Transfer RNA linked to an amino acid is called _____________(a) a-tRNA(b) amino-tRNA(c) tRNA(d) aa-tRNAThe question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.I'm obligated to ask this question of Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (d) aa-tRNA

Explanation: Transfer RNA linked to an AMINO acid is TERMED as aa-tRNA. Transfer RNAS have the dual function of CARRYING an amino acid (as aa-tRNA) and recognizing a particular codon in the messenger RNA.

47.

The phenomenon of RNA interference was discovered using the organism ___________________(a) Mus musculus(b) Drosophila(c) C. elegans(d) Arabidopsis thalianaThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.The origin of the question is Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (c) C. elegans

Explanation: In 1998 Andrew Fire of Carnegie INSTITUTE of Washington and Craig Mello of the University of Massachusetts and their colleagues conducted experiments on the nematode C. elegans which ULTIMATELY LED to the discovery of RNAI phenomena.

48.

Which organism was used for experiments that led to “one gene – one enzyme” hypothesis?(a) Neurospora(b) Nematode(c) Mus musculus(d) DrosophilaI had been asked this question in a job interview.I'd like to ask this question from Gene Expression topic in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) Neurospora

To explain I would SAY: In 1940s George Beadle and Edward TATUM of the California Institute of Technology STUDIED Neurospora, a tropical bread mold which led to the proposal of “one gene – one enzyme” HYPOTHESIS.

49.

Which of the following are ideal subjects for the study of rRNA synthesis and processing?(a) spermatocytes(b) mitochondria(c) oocytes(d) amphibiansThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.This interesting question is from Gene Expression topic in chapter Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (c) oocytes

To explain I would say: Oocytes are the ideal CANDIDATES for the STUDY of rRNA synthesis and PROCESSING. Amplification of rDNA is required by the fertilized egg to begin embryonic development; therefore oocytes contain HUNDREDS of nucleoli that actively manufacture ribosomal RNA.

50.

Which of the following moves in consecutive blocks of three nucleotides?(a) ribosome(b) ribozyme(c) polymerase(d) helicaseI had been asked this question during an interview for a job.Asked question is from Gene Expression in portion Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) RIBOSOME

The best I can explain: On the messenger RNA strand, the ribosome moves along the mRNA from ONE codon to the NEXT in the consecutive blocks of three nucleotides.