MCQ Quiz- Making Genes Work

MCQ Quiz: Making Genes Work

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“Making genes work” is the essence of gene expression, a tightly controlled process that dictates how the genetic blueprint in DNA is converted into functional proteins. In eukaryotes, this involves a complex interplay of transcription factors, chromatin remodeling, and RNA processing to ensure the right genes are turned on in the right cells at the right time. For PharmD students, understanding this process is key to grasping the molecular basis of disease and the mechanisms of modern therapeutics. This quiz will test your knowledge of how eukaryotic cells control and execute the expression of their genes.

1. A key difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression is that in eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the ________, and translation occurs in the ________.

  • Cytoplasm; nucleus
  • Nucleus; cytoplasm
  • Nucleus; nucleolus
  • Cytoplasm; mitochondria

Answer: Nucleus; cytoplasm

2. The DNA-protein complex in eukaryotes that must be “unpacked” for a gene to be expressed is called:

  • A ribosome
  • A plasmid
  • Chromatin
  • A nucleoid

Answer: Chromatin

3. “Gene expression” is a process that is primarily regulated at which level?

  • DNA replication
  • Post-translational modification
  • Transcription
  • All of the above are points of regulation.

Answer: All of the above are points of regulation.

4. A region of chromatin that is loosely packed and accessible for transcription is known as:

  • Heterochromatin
  • A centromere
  • Euchromatin
  • A telomere

Answer: Euchromatin

5. The epigenetic modification of adding an acetyl group to histone tails is performed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs). This modification typically leads to:

  • A more condensed chromatin structure.
  • Transcriptional silencing.
  • A more open chromatin structure, promoting transcription.
  • The degradation of the histone protein.

Answer: A more open chromatin structure, promoting transcription.

6. The removal of acetyl groups from histones by histone deacetylases (HDACs) generally results in:

  • Gene activation.
  • Gene repression or silencing.
  • The initiation of DNA replication.
  • The formation of a Holliday junction.

Answer: Gene repression or silencing.

7. “Transcription factors” are proteins that:

  • Synthesize the new mRNA strand.
  • Bind to specific DNA sequences to control the rate of transcription.
  • Are a structural part of the ribosome.
  • Repair damaged DNA.

Answer: Bind to specific DNA sequences to control the rate of transcription.

8. The “TATA box” is a key DNA sequence found in the ________ of many eukaryotic genes.

  • First intron
  • Coding region
  • Promoter
  • Terminator sequence

Answer: Promoter

9. In eukaryotes, which RNA Polymerase is responsible for transcribing the vast majority of protein-coding genes into mRNA?

  • RNA Polymerase I
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • RNA Polymerase III
  • Primase

Answer: RNA Polymerase II

10. “Enhancers” are DNA elements that can be located far away from the gene they regulate. They function by:

  • Binding activator proteins, which then loop around to interact with the transcription machinery at the promoter.
  • Blocking the binding of RNA polymerase.
  • Signaling the end of transcription.
  • Acting as a second promoter.

Answer: Binding activator proteins, which then loop around to interact with the transcription machinery at the promoter.

11. The process of removing introns from a pre-mRNA transcript is known as:

  • Capping
  • Polyadenylation
  • Splicing
  • Translation

Answer: Splicing

12. The “spliceosome” is a large molecular complex that carries out splicing and is composed of:

  • Only proteins.
  • Only RNA.
  • Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and proteins.
  • Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and proteins.

Answer: Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and proteins.

13. “Alternative splicing” is a critical mechanism for “making genes work” because it:

  • Allows a single gene to produce multiple distinct proteins.
  • Ensures that only one protein is ever made from one gene.
  • Is the primary way bacteria regulate their genes.
  • Is a type of DNA repair.

Answer: Allows a single gene to produce multiple distinct proteins.

14. The addition of a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly(A) tail to a eukaryotic mRNA are crucial processing steps for:

  • Protecting the mRNA from degradation.
  • Facilitating its export from the nucleus.
  • Promoting its translation by the ribosome.
  • All of the above.

Answer: All of the above.

15. “Translational control” is a way to regulate gene expression by:

  • Controlling which mRNAs are translated into protein by the ribosome.
  • Controlling the rate of transcription.
  • Controlling the splicing of pre-mRNA.
  • Controlling DNA replication.

Answer: Controlling which mRNAs are translated into protein by the ribosome.

16. The final step in “making a gene work” to produce a functional protein often involves:

  • The degradation of the mRNA.
  • Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation.
  • The binding of the protein to DNA.
  • The export of the protein from the cell.

Answer: Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation.

17. A pharmacist’s knowledge of “epigenetics” is key to understanding how:

  • A patient’s diet or environment could influence how their genes work.
  • Drugs like HDAC inhibitors can be used to treat cancer.
  • Gene expression can be altered without changing the DNA sequence.
  • All of the above.

Answer: All of the above.

18. The “forging ahead” mindset in pharmacy means understanding that many new drugs are designed to target specific components of the:

  • Gene expression machinery (e.g., transcription factors, kinases).
  • Cell membrane only.
  • Mitochondria only.
  • Bloodstream only.

Answer: Gene expression machinery (e.g., transcription factors, kinases).

19. A “business plan” for a new anticancer drug might be based on a molecule that:

  • Inhibits a specific histone deacetylase (HDAC) to make tumor suppressor genes work again.
  • Promotes the expression of oncogenes.
  • Blocks all transcription in all cells.
  • Enhances the function of a mutated protein.

Answer: Inhibits a specific histone deacetylase (HDAC) to make tumor suppressor genes work again.

20. The “regulation” of a new gene therapy that aims to make a specific gene work correctly is the responsibility of the:

  • DEA
  • FDA
  • CMS
  • EPA

Answer: The FDA

21. A “Clinical Decision Support” system could be designed to use a patient’s gene expression data to:

  • Predict their response to a specific medication.
  • Dispense an antibiotic.
  • Bill for a hospital stay.
  • It cannot use this type of data.

Answer: Predict their response to a specific medication.

22. A pharmacist’s knowledge of “DNA-protein interactions” is fundamental to understanding how:

  • The process of making a gene work is initiated and controlled by transcription factors.
  • DNA is replicated.
  • DNA is repaired.
  • The cell membrane functions.

Answer: The process of making a gene work is initiated and controlled by transcription factors.

23. The “molecular biology technique” of a Northern blot is used to analyze how well a gene is working by measuring:

  • The amount and size of a specific mRNA.
  • The sequence of the gene’s DNA.
  • The presence of the final protein product.
  • The structure of the chromosome.

Answer: The amount and size of a specific mRNA.

24. A “chemotherapeutic” like a monoclonal antibody is often produced in eukaryotic cells. A key part of the manufacturing process is ensuring the host cells:

  • Correctly transcribe, process, and translate the antibody gene.
  • Do not express the antibody gene.
  • Grow as slowly as possible.
  • Are of prokaryotic origin.

Answer: Correctly transcribe, process, and translate the antibody gene.

25. A key “policy” debate surrounding the use of genetic information is:

  • How to ensure the privacy of data related to a person’s gene expression.
  • The price of over-the-counter medications.
  • The regulation of pharmacy technicians.
  • The schedule of controlled substances.

Answer: How to ensure the privacy of data related to a person’s gene expression.

26. The “human resources” department of a modern pharmaceutical company would need to recruit scientists with expertise in:

  • Eukaryotic gene expression.
  • Marketing.
  • Finance.
  • All of the above.

Answer: All of the above.

27. A “health disparity” could arise if a new, expensive drug that targets a specific gene expression pathway is:

  • So expensive that it is only accessible to the wealthiest patients.
  • Made available to all patients at a low cost.
  • Covered by government insurance programs.
  • Easy to manufacture and distribute.

Answer: So expensive that it is only accessible to the wealthiest patients.

28. An “analytics and reporting system” is crucial for research into gene expression to:

  • Analyze the massive datasets generated from transcriptomic (RNA-seq) experiments.
  • Track pharmacy inventory.
  • Schedule patient appointments.
  • Create a marketing brochure.

Answer: Analyze the massive datasets generated from transcriptomic (RNA-seq) experiments.

29. A key “leadership” challenge in a biotech company is:

  • Guiding a team to translate the basic science of how genes work into a new therapeutic product.
  • Managing the company’s cafeteria.
  • Creating the weekly work schedule.
  • Focusing only on the company’s past successes.

Answer: Guiding a team to translate the basic science of how genes work into a new therapeutic product.

30. The ultimate reason pharmacists study how to “make genes work” is because this process is:

  • The fundamental basis of health and disease, and a primary target for modern pharmacotherapy.
  • An interesting but clinically irrelevant topic.
  • The same in all organisms.
  • A simple process with few steps.

Answer: The fundamental basis of health and disease, and a primary target for modern pharmacotherapy.

31. The “Mediator” complex in eukaryotes is a large protein complex that:

  • Carries out splicing.
  • Acts as a bridge between gene-specific activator proteins and the core RNA polymerase II machinery.
  • Adds the poly(A) tail.
  • Binds directly to the TATA box.

Answer: Acts as a bridge between gene-specific activator proteins and the core RNA polymerase II machinery.

32. The “pioneer” transcription factors are unique because they can:

  • Only bind to DNA that is already in an open state.
  • Bind to their target sites even in condensed heterochromatin, initiating the process of gene activation.
  • Act as repressors only.
  • Synthesize RNA.

Answer: Bind to their target sites even in condensed heterochromatin, initiating the process of gene activation.

33. In the “services” a pharmacist provides, counseling a patient on a drug that works by altering gene expression requires an understanding of:

  • The drug’s mechanism and why it might have a delayed onset of action.
  • The patient’s insurance information.
  • The pharmacy’s daily workflow.
  • The price of the drug only.

Answer: The drug’s mechanism and why it might have a delayed onset of action.

34. A “negotiation” with a payer for a new, expensive drug that targets a specific transcription factor would require a strong case built on:

  • Evidence of clinical efficacy.
  • The drug’s high price.
  • The novelty of its mechanism alone.
  • The personal preference of the physician.

Answer: Evidence of clinical efficacy.

35. A “human factors” approach to designing a clinical decision support tool for gene expression data would focus on:

  • Presenting the complex information in a clear and actionable way for the clinician.
  • Making the display as cluttered as possible.
  • Hiding the most important information.
  • Using a very small font.

Answer: Presenting the complex information in a clear and actionable way for the clinician.

36. The “financials” of developing a drug that targets gene expression are typically characterized by:

  • A low-risk, low-cost profile.
  • A high-risk, high-cost research and development process.
  • A guaranteed and rapid profit.
  • A simple and inexpensive clinical trial process.

Answer: A high-risk, high-cost research and development process.

37. The “enzymes of DNA metabolism” are different from the enzymes of transcription, but both interact with:

  • The DNA molecule.
  • RNA molecules only.
  • Proteins only.
  • The cell membrane.

Answer: The DNA molecule.

38. The “cloning” of a reporter gene (like GFP) downstream of a specific promoter is a molecular biology technique used to:

  • Study when and where that promoter is active (i.e., when the gene is “working”).
  • Create a new organism.
  • Repair a damaged gene.
  • Sequence the DNA.

Answer: Study when and where that promoter is active (i.e., when the gene is “working”).

39. The process of “DNA methylation” makes a gene not work by:

  • Attracting proteins that lead to a repressive chromatin state.
  • Physically blocking the binding of activator proteins.
  • Both A and B are correct.
  • Neither A nor B is correct.

Answer: Both A and B are correct.

40. A pharmacist’s knowledge of “Eukaryotic RNA processing” is essential because this is a key step in:

  • Making sure a gene’s initial transcript becomes a functional, working mRNA.
  • Replicating the DNA.
  • Repairing DNA damage.
  • Silencing a gene.

Answer: Making sure a gene’s initial transcript becomes a functional, working mRNA.

41. The final “protein synthesis” step is the ultimate output of “making a gene work.” This process is also known as:

  • Transcription
  • Replication
  • Translation
  • Splicing

Answer: Translation

42. The “special recombination” event of V(D)J recombination is a DNA-level change that is required to:

  • Make a specific set of antibody genes available to “work” (be transcribed) in a B-cell.
  • Silence all genes in a cell.
  • Repair a damaged chromosome.
  • Create a new species.

Answer: Make a specific set of antibody genes available to “work” (be transcribed) in a B-cell.

43. A “tumor suppressor” gene that is not working correctly (e.g., due to a mutation or epigenetic silencing) is a key step in the development of:

  • A healthy cell.
  • Cancer.
  • An infection.
  • A cardiovascular disease.

Answer: Cancer.

44. A key part of the “Introduction to the Profession” is understanding that the future of pharmacy lies in managing therapies that:

  • Are based on a deep understanding of how to make genes work.
  • Are all simple, small molecule drugs.
  • Have no side effects.
  • Are all available over-the-counter.

Answer: Are based on a deep understanding of how to make genes work.

45. “Chromatin remodeling complexes” are protein machines that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to:

  • Add methyl groups to DNA.
  • Slide or reposition nucleosomes on the DNA to make genes more or less accessible.
  • Synthesize RNA.
  • Repair DNA breaks.

Answer: Slide or reposition nucleosomes on the DNA to make genes more or less accessible.

46. A “silencer” is a DNA element that makes a gene not work by:

  • Binding activator proteins.
  • Binding repressor proteins that inhibit transcription.
  • Acting as a start site for transcription.
  • Being a part of the coding sequence.

Answer: Binding repressor proteins that inhibit transcription.

47. A pharmacist’s understanding of “health disparities” is relevant because factors like chronic stress and environmental exposures can:

  • Epigenetically influence how a person’s genes work over their lifetime.
  • Change a person’s DNA sequence.
  • Have no biological effect.
  • Only affect wealthy individuals.

Answer: Epigenetically influence how a person’s genes work over their lifetime.

48. An “Electronic Health Record” (EHR) of the future will need to integrate gene expression data to:

  • Help providers make more personalized decisions about which drugs will work best.
  • Make the patient record more complicated.
  • Limit access to information.
  • Replace the need for a pharmacist.

Answer: Help providers make more personalized decisions about which drugs will work best.

49. An “antidote” for a poison that works by inhibiting a critical transcription factor would likely be:

  • Supportive care, as a direct chemical antidote would be highly unlikely.
  • Naloxone.
  • Flumazenil.
  • N-acetylcysteine.

Answer: Supportive care, as a direct chemical antidote would be highly unlikely.

50. The ultimate principle of “making genes work” is that it is the most fundamental level of __________ in a cell.

  • Energy production.
  • Regulation and control.
  • Communication.
  • Waste disposal.

Answer: Regulation and control.

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