GED Science : RNA and Transcription

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Rna And Transcription

Which of the following statements is false?

Possible Answers:

The RNA backbone contains the carbohydrate ribose

RNA is usually single-stranded, while DNA is usually double-stranded

RNA is more stable than DNA

RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil

Correct answer:

RNA is more stable than DNA

Explanation:

Because RNA is usually single-stranded (vs. double-stranded DNA), it is more susceptible to degradation by nucleases; therefore, RNA is NOT more stable than DNA.

RNA does contain the carbohydrate sugar ribose in its backbone, while DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil; in contrast, DNA contains thymine.

Example Question #2 : Rna And Transcription

What is the name of the segment of DNA that RNA polymerase attaches to in order to initiate transcription?

Possible Answers:

Operator

Promoter

Terminator

Origin of replication

Correct answer:

Promoter

Explanation:

Transcription is initiated when RNA polymerase attaches to DNA at the promoter site. This allows the RNA polymerase to be appropriately positioned so that the whole gene is transcribed.

The origin of replication is the site that allows the initiation of DNA replication. Operators are segments of DNA that can bind transcription factors and regulate certain genes.

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