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Pre AP Biology -GEN 2.1 DNA Synthesis (Replication)- MCQ Exam Style Questions -New Syllabus

Pre AP Biology -GEN 2.1 DNA Synthesis (Replication)- MCQ Exam Style Questions – New Syllabus 2025-2026

Pre AP Biology -GEN 2.1 DNA Synthesis (Replication)- MCQ Exam Style Questions – Pre AP Biology – per latest Pre AP Biology Syllabus.

Pre AP Biology – MCQ Exam Style Questions- All Topics

Question

The genotype frequencies in a population are $0.60$ $AA$, $0.20$ $Aa$, and $0.20$ $aa$, and the requirements of the Hardy–Weinberg principle apply. Which of the following genotype frequencies will occur in the offspring generation?
a. $0.70$ $AA$, $0.00$ $Aa$, $0.30$ $aa$
b. $0.60$ $AA$, $0.20$ $Aa$, $0.20$ $aa$
c. $0.49$ $AA$, $0.42$ $Aa$, $0.09$ $aa$
d. $0.36$ $AA$, $0.60$ $Aa$, $0.04$ $aa$
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

Calculate allele frequency $p$ ($A$): $0.60 + \frac{1}{2}(0.20) = 0.70$.
Calculate allele frequency $q$ ($a$): $0.20 + \frac{1}{2}(0.20) = 0.30$.
Under Hardy-Weinberg, the offspring frequency for $AA$ is $p^2 = (0.70)^2 = 0.49$.
The offspring frequency for $Aa$ is $2pq = 2(0.70)(0.30) = 0.42$.
The offspring frequency for $aa$ is $q^2 = (0.30)^2 = 0.09$.
These frequencies reach equilibrium in a single generation of random mating.
Therefore, the correct choice is c.

Question

Which of these statements best describes DNA fingerprinting?
a. It compares one particular stretch of the same DNA between two or more people.
b. Genomic DNA is digested and the different lengths of DNA containing repeating sequences are separated by size.
c. It requires the several DNA fragments to separate on a gel, with the longest lengths running the greatest distance.
d. It can easily differentiate DNA between identical twins.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

The correct option is b.
DNA fingerprinting utilizes restriction enzymes to digest genomic DNA into fragments.
These fragments contain variable number tandem repeats ($VNTRs$) or $STRs$.
Gel electrophoresis is used to separate these fragments based on their molecular size.
Option a is incorrect as multiple loci are compared, not just one stretch.
Option c is false because smaller fragments, not longest, travel the greatest distance.
Option d is false because monozygotic twins possess identical genetic profiles.

Question

All the following enzymes are required to make nucleic acid polymers. Which one is used in PCR?
a. DNA polymerase
b. RNA polymerase
c. primase
d. reverse transcriptase
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

The correct answer is a. DNA polymerase.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify specific $\text{DNA}$ sequences.
A thermostable DNA polymerase, such as Taq polymerase, is essential for the extension step.
It synthesizes new DNA strands by adding deoxynucleoside triphosphates ($\text{dNTPs}$) to a primer.
Unlike in vivo replication, PCR uses synthetic DNA primers, so primase is not required.
RNA polymerase is used for transcription, not for standard DNA amplification.
Reverse transcriptase is only used in RT-PCR to first convert $\text{RNA}$ into $\text{cDNA}$.

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