Multiple Choice Questions: Control of Gene Expression

Chapter 16 - Control of Gene Expression
Chapter 16
Control of Gene Expression
Multiple Choice Questions

1. In some organisms, the primary function of a gene in a cell is to participate in regulating
the body as a whole rather than responding to the cell's immediate environment. These
organisms would be
A. multicellular.
B. diploid.
C. bacterial.
D. prokaryotic.
Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.01.01 Identify when gene expression is usually controlled.
Section: 16.01
Topic: Control of Gene Expression

2. The maintenance of a constant environment in a cell is called __________.

A. active transport
B. homeostasis
C. gene expression
D. translation

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-1
Copyright © 2017 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
3. Through control of gene expression, a bacterial cell responds to changing __________

conditions.
A. internal
B. protein
C. environmental
D. genetic

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.01.03 List differences between control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Section: 16.01

4. In multicellular organisms, the mechanism most directly responsible for directing

development and maintaining homeostasis is gene
A.
mutation.
B. duplication.
C. deletion.
D. regulation.


Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

5. Eukaryotic cell mRNA transcripts can remain in the cell for hours because they are
A. stable.
B. long.
C. isolated.
D. analogous.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01
Topic: Molecular Biology

16-2
6. As a microbiologist you have been asked to investigate the regulation of a novel gene in a
bacterial species. Given what is known about bacteria, the logical place to begin your
investigation is
A. transcriptional regulation.
B. translational regulation.
C. alternative splicing regulation.
D. regulation by enhancer elements.
E. regulation by general transcription factors.
16-3
Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

o This question addresses gene regulation in bacteria.
· What type of thinking is required?
o This question is asking you to take what you already know and apply it to this
unfamiliar situation.
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
o Regulation of a gene refers to the control of its expression.
o A novel gene is a new gene – that is, one that has not been well-studied or understood.
o Bacteria are prokaryotes like E. coli or Salmonella. Their gene regulation is similar to
eukaryotes, but has distinct features.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about gene regulation in bacteria?

o Gene regulation in bacteria is similar to that of eukaryotes.
o However, bacteria do not have a nucleus, therefore there is less separation between
transcription and translation.
o Because of this, bacteria tend to rely on transcriptional regulation more than
translational or post-translational regulation.
Consider Possibilities
16-4
· Consider the different answer options. Which can you rule out?
o Is a prokaryotic gene likely to use alternative splicing regulation? No, prokaryotic
genes don’t have introns, and don’t have splicing machinery.
o Is a prokaryotic gene likely to use regulation by enhancer elements? No, prokaryotic
genes don’t have distant enhancers like eukaryotic genes do.
o Is a prokaryotic gene likely to use regulation by general transcription factors? No, this
term is used for eukaryotes to differentiate the basal transcriptional machinery from more
specific transcriptional regulatory proteins. Moreover, the general transcription factors do not
play an important role in regulation.
Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most
likely to produce the correct answer?
o Is a prokaryotic gene likely to use translational regulation? No. Since bacteria lack a
nuclear membrane, transcription and translation are coupled.
o Thus it is important that they regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level.
o Transcriptional regulation is the most common mode of gene regulation in bacteria.
Reflect on Process
16-5
· Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the
process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a
more desirable result?
o This question asked about the most common type of regulation in bacteria.
o The question required you to take what you already know and apply it to this
o Did you recognize that transcriptional regulation is by far the most common type of
regulation in bacteria?
o Did you remember that bacteria lack splicing and lack enhancers?
Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

7. Transcriptional control-proteins increase the rate of transcription by binding to

A. mRNA sequences within the DNA.
B. tRNA sequences within the DNA.
C. operator sequences within the DNA.
D. promoter sequences within the DNA.
E. enhancer sequences within the DNA.
Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.01.02 Describe the usual action of regulatory proteins.
Section: 16.01

16-6
8. You have been asked to design a synthetic DNA motif, able to bind transcriptional
regulatory proteins. The location on this motif that you will design for protein binding is the
A. minor groove of the DNA double helix.
B. major groove of the DNA double helix.
C. phosphate backbone of the DNA double helix.
D. sugar backbone of the DNA double helix.
E. available hydrogen-bonds of bases in single-stranded DNA.
16-7
Clarify Question

o This question addresses transcriptional regulatory proteins.
o Synthetic DNA is an artificially designed and produced piece of DNA.
o A DNA motif is a specific sequence that is recognizable by DNA-binding proteins.
o Transcriptional regulatory proteins, also called transcription factors, are proteins that
bind DNA to regulate transcription.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about transcriptional regulatory proteins?

o Transcriptional regulatory proteins are proteins that bind DNA to control when, where,
and how much a gene is transcribed.
o These proteins have special DNA-binding domains, such as the helix-turn-helix or the
zinc finger domain.
o For a protein to bind a specific DNA motif, can it recognize the phosphate backbone?
No, because that will be identical on every piece of DNA.
o For a protein to bind a specific DNA motif, can it recognize the sugar backbone? No,
because that will be identical on every piece of DNA.
o For a protein to bind a specific DNA motif, can it recognize the open hydrogen bonds
of single-stranded DNA? No, because the DNA is double stranded before transcription begins.
16-8
Choose Answer
o So, it makes sense that the regulatory protein is going to need to recognize the unique
sequence of bases while the DNA is double-stranded.
o In fact, regulatory proteins bind DNA in the major groove and not the minor groove,
because it gives enough room for the protein to bind along the bases.
Reflect on Process
16-9

o This question asked what part of the DNA is use for motif recognition by regulatory
proteins.
o Did you recognize that regulatory proteins must recognize the unique parts of the
DNA – i.e., the sequence of bases?
o Did you realize that the proteins bind the major groove because the minor groove is
not wide enough?

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.02.02 Describe the common features of DNA-binding motifs.
Section: 16.02

9. Vertebrate cells possess a protein that binds to clusters of 5-methylcytosine and ensures the
gene will stay in the "off" position. This control of gene regulation is a result of
A. translation.
B. enhancer expression.
C. methylation.
D. promoter expression.
E. operator suppression.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.02.01 Explain how proteins can interact with base pairs without unwinding the helix.
Section: 16.02
Topic: Regulatory Proteins

16-10
10. You lead a research team challenged with the task of creating a regulatory protein able to
shut off transcription of a particular gene. You focus your design around a binding site called
an operator that is associated with the promotor. The physical location of the operator most
likely to affect transcription would be
A. upstream of the gene promoter.
B. downstream of the gene promoter.
C. internal to the gene itself.
D. internal to the gene promoter.
16-11
Clarify Question

o This question addresses the function of operators an repressors.
o An operator is a site on the DNA that can attract a repressor protein to block
transcription.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about operators and repressors?

o Repressors are proteins that bind to regulatory sites on DNA called operators to
prevent or decrease the initiation of transcription. They act as a kind of roadblock to prevent
the polymerase from initiating effectively.
· What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?
o When we learned about the lac repressor, we learned that it binds the operator site just
downstream of the promoter. When the repressor protein is bound, it blocks RNA polymerase
and prevents transcription.
o Likewise, when we learned about the trp repressor, we learned that it binds the
operator site just downstream of the promoter. When the repressor protein is bound, it blocks
RNA polymerase and prevents transcription.
16-12
Choose Answer
o Operator sites are location just downstream of the promoter, because when the
repressor protein binds, it acts like a roadblock to prevent transcription by RNA polymerase.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked where an operator site is typically located to block transcription.
o Did you recognize that operator sites lie downstream of the promoter, so that when the
repressor binds it acts like a roadblock?
16-13


Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

11. Histones that are tightly wound by DNA and are the basic unit of chromatin are called
A. operons.
B. nucleosomes.
C. protein clusters.
D. repressor genes.
E. facilitators sites.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.05.01 Describe how chromatin structure can affect gene expression.
Section: 16.05
Topic: Eukaryotic Chromatin Structure

12. The hallmark of multicellular organisms is their ability to

A. grow and divide rapidly.
B. adjust quickly to outside environment.
C. maintain homeostasis.
D. quickly synthesize amount and type of enzymes according to available nutrients.
E. respond by gene action to oxygen availability.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-14
13. Enhancers are the binding sites for the

A. promoters of DNA synthesis.
B. suppressor factors.
C. co-activation factors.
D. mediator factors.
E. specific transcription factors.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.04.01 Distinguish between the role of general and specific transcription factors.
Section: 16.04

14. Within its core a nucleosome contains ____ histones.

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
E. 64

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.05.02 Explain the function of chromatin remodeling complexes.
Section: 16.05

15. The basic tool of genetic regulation is the ability of certain proteins to bind to specific
A. regulatory RNA sequences.
B. regulatory DNA sequences.
C. repressor parts of the gene.
D. promoter parts of the gene.
E. enzymes of the cell.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-15
16. In vertebrates, DNA methylation - the addition of a methyl group to DNA nucleotides -
ensures that
A. the gene functions without interruption.
B. no errors will be made during transcription.
C. the nucleosome will quickly form, which assists in mRNA formation.
D. once that gene is transcribed, the mRNA is saved and used over and over again.
E. once a gene is turned off, it will remain off.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.05

16-16
17. You work for a pharmaceutical company that designs small RNAs, used to control
expression of disease genes . The primary focus area of your research should be
A. transcriptional repression.
B. transcriptional activation.
C. translational repression.
D. translational activation.
16-17
Clarify Question

o This question addresses small RNAs.
o A pharmaceutical company is a company that designs new medicinal drugs.
o Small RNAs are either naturally-occuring or manufactured RNAs such as micro-RNAs
(miRNAs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that regulate gene expression.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about small RNAs?

o Small RNAs are used naturally by organisms, and also by researchers, to silence
genes.
o Small RNAs typically work by silencing genes – that is, repressing gene expression.
o Their mechanism of action involves binding of the small RNA to the native mRNA,
attracting enzymes that inhibit translation or cut up the mRNA.
Choose Answer
o Since small RNAs act on the native mRNA, their regulation is post-transcriptional
(after transcription), and specifically translational regulation.
o Since they inhibit the expression of genes, they act as translational repressors.
16-18
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what type of regulation you should focus on if you want to cure
disease with small RNAs.
o Did you recognize that small RNAs typically work post-transcriptionally, binding with
mRNA to block translation?
o Did you consider what RNAs are most likely to be able to bind?
16-19


Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.06.01 Explain how small RNAs can affect gene expression.
Section: 16.06

18. Although the specific mechanism of RNA interference has not been fully defined, it
involves
A. double stranded RNA interference with mRNA.
B. double stranded RNA interference with DNA.
C. double stranded DNA interference with mRNA.
D. double stranded mRNA interference with DNA.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.06.02 Differentiate between the different kinds of posttranscriptional regulation.
Section: 16.06
Topic: Eukaryotic Posttranscriptional Regulation

19. The DNA-binding proteins of almost all regulatory proteins use one of a small set of
shapes that enable them to fit into the DNA major groove. These shapes are called
A. structural motifs.
B. DNA prints.
C. fingerprints.
D. repressors.
E. transcriptional domains.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

16-20
20. Small RNAs can regulate gene expression. One type, called micro RNA (miRNA), acts by
binding directly to
A. mRNA to prevent translation.
B. tRNA to prevent transcription.
C. mRNA to prevent transcription.
D. tRNA to prevent translation.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.06

16-21
21. If a strain of bacteria had a mutation that blocked expression of the lac repressor, what
would you expect as a result?
A. The mutant strain would outcompete wildype strains, since it could always utilize lactose.
B. The mutant strain would grow at the same rate as wildtype if lactose was not present.
C. The mutant strain would waste energy producing enzymes in the absence of lactose.
D. The mutant strain would act the same, because it would still require lac activator protein to
turn on.
16-22
Clarify Question

o This question addresses regulation of the lac operon.
o This question is asking you to analyze the information given, using logic, to dissect
the problem and determine the answer.
o The lac repressor is a protein that binds the operator site to regulate transcription of
the lac operon.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about the lac operon?

o The lac operon encodes proteins that help the cell use lactose as an energy source.
o The operon only is transcribed when lactose is present.
o When present, lactose binds the repressor protein and keeps it from binding the
operator site. That allows transcription to occur.
o Would the mutant strain outcompete wildype strains, since it could always utilize
lactose? No, because lactose is not always present, and it would waste energy synthesizing
useless enzymes.
o Would the mutant strain would grow at the same rate as wildtype if lactose was not
present? No, because it would waste energy synthesizing useless enzymes.
o Would the mutant strain would act the same, because it would still require lac activator
protein to turn on? No. In fact there is no “lac activator” protein. The lac operon is controlled
by the activity of the lac repressor.
Choose Answer
o Unless lactose was always present at high levels, the mutant strain would be harmed
by this mutation. It would waste energy producing useless enzymes that were not needed.
16-23
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what would result for a bacterium mutant for the lac repressor.
o The question required you to analyze the information given, using logic, to dissect the
16-24
problem and determine the answer.

o Did you remember that the lac operon encodes proteins that help the cell to utilize
lactose?
o Did you recognize that the lac operon is regulated so that the cell doesn’t waste energy
unless lactose is present?
Blooms Level: 4. Analyze

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.03.02 Explain control of gene expression in the lac operon.
Section: 16.03
Topic: Prokaryotic Regulation

22. In eukaryotes, specific transcription factors have two distinct domains:

A. a DNA-binding domain and a RNA-binding domain.
B. a DNA-binding domain and an activation domain.
C. a DNA-binding domain and a repressor domain.
D. a DNA-binding domain and an enhancer domain.
E. a DNA-binding domain and an operator domain.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04
Topic: Eukaryotic Regulation

23. In order for transcription to be initiated

A. DNA polymerase must have access to the DNA double helix and must also be capable of
binding to the gene's promoter.
B. RNA polymerase must have access to the DNA double helix and must also be capable of
C. DNA polymerase must have access to the RNA and must also be capable of binding to the
gene's promoter.
D. RNA ligase must have access to the DNA double helix and must also be capable of
E. RNA polymerase must have access to the DNA double helix and also must be capable of
binding to the gene's operator.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01
Topic: Transcription

16-25
16-26
24. Certain proteins can bind to specific DNA regulatory sequences by entering
A. the major groove of the DNA and reading the nucleotide base pairs.
B. the minor groove of the DNA and reading the nucleotide base pairs.
C. the major groove of RNA and reading the nucleotide base pairs.
D. DNA's major groove by using DNA polymerase and reading the nucleotide base pairs.
E. DNA's minor groove by using DNA polymerase and reading the nucleotide base pairs.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

25. Regulatory proteins can identify specific sequences on the DNA double helix without
unwinding the helix. This is accomplished by inserting
A. RNA promoters into either the major groove or the minor groove of the double helix
where the edges of the nitrogen bases protrude.
B. DNA-binding motifs into the minor groove of the double helix where the edges of the
nitrogen bases protrude.
C. DNA polymerase into the major groove of the double helix where the edges of the
D. RNA polymerase into the major groove of the double helix where the edges of the
E. DNA-binding motifs into the major groove of the double helix where the edges of the

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

16-27
26. When E. coli cells produce the amino acid tryptophan, a cluster of five genes is
transcribed together. This cluster of genes is referred to as the
A. trp transcriptional operator.
B. trp regulator.
C. trp suppressor.
D. trp operon.
E. trp promoter.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.03.03 Explain control of gene expression in the trp operon.
Section: 16.03

27. The proteins necessary for the use of lactose in E. coli are collectively called the
A. lac regulator.
B. lac suppressor.
C. lac operon.
D. lac promoter.
E. lac transcriptional operator.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01
Section: 16.03

28. A defining characteristic of eukaryotic organisms is that they

A. have their transcription occurring in the cytoplasm and translation in the nucleus.
B. have their transcription occurring in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm.
C. have only operons to assist in gene expression.
D. carry out protein synthesis only in the presence of the cAMP molecule.
E. use the leucine zipper primarily for the production of the amino acid tryptophan.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-28
29. The primary transcripts in eukaryotes are most accurately described as

A. composed of RNA polymerase and associated histones.
B. having the exons removed and the introns retained for translation.
C. a faithful copy of the entire gene including exons and introns.
D. an exact copy of the gene, but the introns have been removed.
E. an RNA copy, but the non-coding exons and introns have been removed.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

30. One of the DNA-binding motifs in many eukaryotic organisms that contains a nearly
identical sequence of 60 amino acids is known as the
A. non-helical zipper.
B. leucine zipper.
C. zinc finger.
D. homeodomain.
E. helix-turn-helix.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

31. The most common DNA-binding motif is the

A. non-helical zipper.
B. leucine zipper.
C. zinc finger.
D. homeodomain.
E. helix-turn-helix.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

16-29
32. A protein that regulates transcription by binding to the operator is known as the
A. operon.
B. repressor.
C. promoter.
D. operator.
E. CAP.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

33. A protein that initiates gene transcription and allows for non-glucose molecules to be used
is
A. operon.
B. repressor.
C. promoter.
D. operator.
E. CAP.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

34. A cluster of functionally-related genes that are regulated together and encoded into a
single mRNA molecule is called a(n)
A. operon.
B. repressor.
C. promoter.
D. operator.
E. CAP.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-30
35. A site of negative genetic regulation where binding by repressor blocks transcription is

the
A. operon.
B. repressor.
C. promoter.
D. operator.
E. CAP.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

36. A site at the 5' end of a gene where RNA polymerase attaches to initiate transcription is
called a(n).
A. operon.
B. repressor.
C. promoter.
D. operator.
E. CAP.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

16-31
37. The enzyme beta-galactosidase acts on lactose to form galactose. In turn, the presence of
galactose leads to expression of the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of galactose. In
this case, lactose is serving as a carbon source and as a(n)
A. inducer.
B. repressor.
C. DNA-binding protein.
D. operon.
16-32
Clarify Question

o This question addresses prokaryotic transcriptional regulation.
o Beta-galactosidase is an enzyme that processes lactose.
o Lactose and galactose are two sugars. Lactose is a disaccharide; galactose is a
monosaccharide.
o A carbon source is a molecule that is used like a building block to produce another
organic molecule.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about prokaryotic transcriptional regulation?

o We have seen several examples of prokaryotic transcriptional regulation.
o For instance, we learned that the lac operon is activated in the presence of lactose.
Lactose binds to the repressor protein, blocking it from preventing transcription. In this way,
lactose “induces” transcription.
o Can we call the lactose in this case a repressor? No, because its role is to activate
transcription. (This is true even if it technically acts by repressing a repressor.)
o Can we call the lactose in this case an operon? No, an operon is a set of genes in the
DNA, under coordinated transcriptional control. The lactose is a small sugar, not DNA.
o Can we call the lactose in this case a DNA-binding protein? No, because the lactose is
a sugar, not a protein. Also it does not directly bind the DNA – it likely binds to a DNA-
binding protein as a cofactor.\
16-33
Choose Answer
o When a small molecule induces gene expression by interacting as a cofactor with a
protein, we can call the molecule an “inducer”.
Reflect on Process
16-34
o This question asked what term you would use to describe lactose when it acts to turn
on gene expression.
o Did you recognize that lactose must bind to a regulatory protein to activate gene
expression?
o Did you remember that that type of molecule is called an inducer?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-35
38. The lactose analog isopropyl-beta-D-thio-galactoside (IPTG) is often used to regulate

gene expression systems in bacteria. IPTG does not act as a substrate for beta-galactosidase,
but can bind to, and inactivate, the repressor. In this case, IPTG serves as a(n)
A. inducer.
B. repressor.
C. DNA-binding protein.
D. operon.
16-36
Clarify Question

o This question addresses prokaryotic transcriptional regulation.
o Beta-galactosidase is an enzyme that processes lactose.
o A lactose analog is a small molecule very similar to lactose. Lactose is a disaccharide
— that is, a two-ring sugar.
o A substrate is a molecule that an enzyme acts upon, usually changing it to another
molecule.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about prokaryotic transcriptional regulation?

o We have seen several examples of prokaryotic transcriptional regulation.
o For instance, we learned that the lac operon is activated in the presence of lactose.
Lactose binds to the repressor protein, blocking it from preventing transcription. In this way,
lactose “induces” transcription.
o Can we call the IPTG in this case a repressor? No, because its role is to activate
transcription. (This is true even if it technically acts by repressing a repressor.)
o Can we call the IPTG in this case an operon? No, an operon is a set of genes in the
DNA, under coordinated transcriptional control. The IPTG is a small sugar, not DNA.
o Can we call the IPTG in this case a DNA-binding protein? No, because the IPTG is a
sugar, not a protein. Also it does not directly bind the DNA – it binds to the DNA-binding
repressor protein as a cofactor.
16-37
Choose Answer
o When a small molecule induces gene expression by interacting as a cofactor with a
protein, we can call the molecule an “inducer”.
Reflect on Process
16-38
o This question asked what term you would use to describe IPTG when it acts to turn on
gene expression.
o Did you recognize that IPTG binds to a regulatory protein to activate gene expression?
o Did you remember that that type of molecule is called an inducer?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

39. The main form of glucose repression in the lac operon is

A. induction.
B. repression.
C. inducer exclusion.
D. the CAP/cAMP system.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.03

16-39
40. If you were given a bacterial strain with a mutation in the promoter region of the trp
operon the most likely effect would be
A. interference with RNA polymerase binding.
B. to block the repressor from binding.
C. derepression of the trp operon.
D. enabling the trp operon to be expressed in the absence of tryptophan.
E. lack of expression of just the first gene in the operon.
16-40
Clarify Question

o This question addresses the promoter.
o The promoter region is the region of a gene where the RNA polymerase binds and
initiates transcription.
o The trp operon is a set of genes in bacteria that are transcribed together to produce
enzymes for the biosynthesis of tryptophan.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about promoters?

o A promoter is a region at the beginning of a gene, in the -35 and -10 region, that
attracts the binding of RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.
o If the promoter was mutated, would this prevent the repressor from binding? No,
because the repressor binds the operator, which is downstream of the promoter.
o If the promoter was mutated, would this cause derepression of the trp operon? In other
words, prevent repression to allow expression? No, because repression depends on the
repressor binding the operator, not the promoter.
o If the promoter was mutated, would this enable the trp operon to be expressed in the
absence of tryptophan? No, because that would require preventing the function of the
repressor, which binds the operator.
o If the promoter was mutated, would this cause lack of expression of just the first gene
in the operon? No, because the promoter is necessary for expression of all the genes in the
operon.
Choose Answer
16-41
o What is the role of the promoter region? To allow RNA polymerase to bind and initiate
transcription.
o What binds to the promoter region? RNA polymerase.
o So if the promoter was mutated, RNA polymerase would likely fail to bind and fail to
initiate transcription.
Reflect on Process
16-42
o This question asked what would result from a mutation in the promoter of the trp
operon.
o Did you recognize that the promoter is necessary for the binding of RNA polymerase?
o Did you remember that the repressor acts on the operator region, not the promoter?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.03

16-43
41. You are studying regulation of a prokaryotic operon. Experiments show that expression of
the operon is increased when levels of biosynthetic product from that pathway are low. Based
on this information, what is a likely mode of regulation?
A. The product binds a repressor, allowing it to bind the operator.
B. The product binds an activator, helping RNA polymerase to bind the promoter.
C. The product binds a repressor, preventing it from binding the operator.
D. The product binds to the biosynthetic enzymes, blocking them directly.
16-44
Clarify Question

o This question addresses transcriptional regulation.
o A prokaryotic operon is a small set of adjacent genes in a bacterium that are expressed
together, and usually work in the same pathway.
o The biosynthetic product from a pathway would be the small molecule that the
encoded enzymes produce as a product.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about transcriptional regulation in prokaryotes?

o We learned about three examples of regulation in prokaryotes: lactose regulation of the
lac operon, glucose regulation of the lac operon, and tryptophan’s regulation of the trp
operon.
o This example is similar to the regulation of the trp operon by tryptophan. It is an
example of negative feedback by the biosynthetic product.
o When the product is low, operon expression is high. When the product is high, operon
expression is low.
o Could this operon be regulated by the product binding an activator, helping RNA
polymerase to bind the promoter? No, because then high product levels would have high
expression, low product levels would have low expression.
o Could this operon be regulated by the product binding a repressor, preventing it from
binding the operator? No, because again, in that case high product levels would have high
expression, low product levels would have low expression.
o Could this operon be regulated by the product binding to the biosynthetic enzymes,
blocking them directly? That would be negative feedback, but it would not affect the
expression of the operon – in other words, the levels of mRNA produced for the enzyme
genes.
16-45
Choose Answer
o Could this operon be regulated by the product binding a repressor, allowing it to bind
the operator? Yes. This would mean that low product levels would derepress the operon,
allowing higher expression.
16-46
o This is similar to the regulation of the trp operon.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what is the likely mode of regulation for an operon that is
controlled by negative feedback from its enzymes’ biosynthetic product.
o Did you recognize that this is similar to the regulation of the trp operon by
tryptophan?
o Did you realize that high levels of the product probably block expression by helping a
repressor to block transcription?
o Was there an alternative explanation not listed as an option here?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

42. The binding of TFIID is followed by the binding of a number of other general
transcription factors. The correct order of binding of these factors would be
A. TFIIA, TFIIB, TFIIE, TFIIF, TFIIH
B. TFIIB-TFIIA, TFIIF, TFIIE, TFIIH, TFIIJ
C. TFIIF-TFIIH, TFIIB, TFIIE, TFIIA, TFIIH
D. TFIIE, TFIIB, TFIIA, TFIIH, TFIIF

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

16-47
43. Your research project involves the characterization of a recently identified transcription
factor. As part of your project, you want to determine if this transcription factor binds directly
to any of the general transcription factors. Unfortunately, you are having trouble expressing
the full-length protein. What approach may help achieve your research goal?
A. You must find a way to express the full-length protein, since transcription factor functions
do not lie in separate domains.
B. Identify the RNA that mediates the protein-protein binding.
C. Express and purify only the DNA-binding domain, and test for binding.
D. Express and purify only the activation domain, and test for binding.
16-48
Clarify Question

o This question addresses the structure of specific transcription factors.
o A recently identified transcription factor must refer to a specific transcription factor,
since the general transcription factors have been well described.
o The general transcription factors are the set of transcription factors that underlie
transcription in all genes. By themselves, they can only support transcription at some low,
basal rate.
o Expressing a protein refers to the process of cloning the gene and producing large
amounts of the protein using bacteria vitro.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about specific transcription factors?

o Specific transcription factors constitute a huge variety of proteins that act in
conjunction with the general transcription factors to increase transcription of specific genes in
certain cells and times.
o They typically have two separate domains: a DNA-binding domain that binds specific
DNA sequence motifs, and an activating domain that interacts with the general transcription
factors to stimulate transcription.

16-49
o To answer your research question, must you find a way to express the full-length
protein, since transcription factor functions do not lie in separate domains? No, this is not
correct. Typically the DNA-binding and activation domains are separable.
o To answer your research question, should you identify the RNA that mediates the
protein-protein binding? No, because typically there is no RNA – the specific transcription
factor binds the general TFs directly.
o To answer your research question, should you express and purify only the DNA-
binding domain, and test for binding? No, because that wasn’t the question you wanted to
answer. You need to know how it bind the general TF proteins, not the DNA sequence.
Choose Answer
16-50
o To answer your research question, should you express and purify only the activation
domain, and test for binding? Yes, this strategy may very well work! It may be easier to
express the shorter protein, and you can use the domain to test for protein binding to the
general transcription factors.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what approach could help to determine binding between a specific
transcription factor and the general transcription factors.
o Did you recognize that the DNA-binding and activation functions use separate protein
domains?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

16-51
44. You are working to identify enhancer regions of a particular gene. The best place to look
is
A. immediately upstream of the promoter.
B. immediately downstream of the promoter.
C. primarily upstream of the promoter, possibly some distance away.
D. primarily downstream of the promoter, including the exons of the coding region.
16-52
Clarify Question

o This question addresses enhancers.
o This question is asking you to weigh and judge evidence, or evaluate, to choose the
best of the possible answers.
o Enhancer regions are elements in the DNA sequence that contain binding sites for
specific transcription factors to regulate transcription.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about enhancers?

o Enhancers are elements in the DNA sequence that contain binding sites for specific
transcription factors to regulate transcription.
o Enhancers are DNA sequencesnecessary for high levels of transcription that can act
independently of position or orientation.
o The ability of enhancers to act over large distances is thought to be accomplished by
DNA bending to form a loop, positioning the enhancer closer to the promoter.
o There is a lot of variability in the placement of enhancers. But what is the general rule
of thumb?
Choose Answer
o Generally enhancers are most likely to lie upstream of the promoter, and they can be
close or surprisingly far away.
16-53
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what is the best place to look for enhancer elements for a gene.
o The question required you to weigh and judge evidence, or evaluate, to choose the best
of the possible answers.
o Did you remember that enhancers are usually upstream of the promoter?
o Did you remember that enhancers can be a long distance away, due to DNA looping?
16-54

Blooms Level: 5. Evaluate

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-55
45. The progesterone receptor (PR) is a steroid hormone receptor and transcription factor.
The protein SRC-1, which does not bind DNA by itself, can bind to PR and increase
expression of genes regulated by PR. Based on this information, SRC-1 is best described as
a(n)
A. coactivator.
B. inducer.
C. general transcription factor.
D. specific transcription factor.
16-56
Clarify Question

o This question addresses coactivators.
o A steroid hormone receptor is a special kind of specific transcription factor. They
respond to hormones, then enter the nucleus and regulate transcription.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about coactivators?

o In our text, coactivators are described as transcription factors that stabilize the
transcription complex by bridging activator proteins with the complex. They act by binding
the transcription factor and then binding to another part of the transcription apparatus.
o Is SRC-1 best described as a general transcription factor? No, because it does not act
in the transcription of every gene.
o Is SRC-1 best described as an inducer? No. Our text gave us several examples of
inducers. All of them were small molecules in prokaryotes that activate genes by inhibiting
the binding of a repressor protein.
o Is SRC-1 best described as a specific transcription factor? Perhaps – but its role is to
enhance the stimulation by another specific transcription factor, the progesterone receptor.
Choose Answer
o SRC-1 is best described as a coactivator – a protein that acts to enhance the of other
specific transcription factors, by bridging activator proteins with the complex.
16-57
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what is the best description of the protein SRC-1.
o Did you recognize that as a “helper” for another specific transcription factor, SRC-1 is
16-58
best described as a coactivator?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.04

46. The TFIID complex is formed by

A. TATA-binding protein TBP and TAFs.
B. TATA-binding protein TBP, TAFs and RNA pol II.
C. TAFs and the core promoter.
D. TATA-binding protein and activators.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-59
47. The p300/CBP (CREB-binding protein) proteins are histone acetyltransferases that help
regulate the transcription of many genes. Based on this information you can conclude that
these proteins
A. acetylate purines.
B. remodel chromatin.
C. recruit helicases.
D. physically connect activator proteins.
16-60
Clarify Question

o This question addresses histone acetyltransferases.
o Histone acetyltransferases are enzymes that acetylate (that is, add a -COCH3 group) to
histone proteins.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about histone acetyltransferases?

o Histone acetyltransferases are a class of proteins that modify histones.
o Histones are proteins that form much of the structure of chromatin – that is, the DNA
and proteins of the chromosome.
o Would histone acetyltransferases act to acetylate purines? No, they acetylate histone
proteins, not the DNA itself.
o Would histone acetyltransferases act to recruit helicases? No, they change the structure
of chromatin by modifying histones.
o Would histone acetyltransferases act to physically connect activator proteins? No.
Although sometimes called coactivators, they activate by modifying chromatin structure, not
directly connecting transcription factors.
Choose Answer
o Would histone acetyltransferases act to remodel chromatin? Yes! That is their mode of
action.
16-61
Reflect on Process
o This question asked about the role of p300/CBP proteins.
o Did you recognize that histone acetyltransferases modify chromatin structure?
16-62


Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.05

48. DNA methylation is the only known natural modification of DNA. It affects
A. adenine bases.
B. guanine bases.
C. cytosine bases.
D. thymine bases.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

49. If you were able to look very closely at a portion of DNA and find methylated histones,
you would
A. be mistaken since only DNA can be methylated, not histones.
B. be looking at a region of active chromatin.
C. be looking at a region of inactive chromatin.
D. be looking at a chromatin remodeling complex.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.05

50. Elucidation of the histone code might

A. allow us to turn specific genes on or off.
B. allow the determination of nucleosome composition.
C. lead to chromatin remodeling.
D. allow us to control translation.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-63
16-64
51. You are studying the function of a recently identified gene in C. elegans. You perform
genetic screens for several months in an attempt to isolate loss-of-function gene mutations,
but your efforts are unsuccessful. Your advisor suggests you try another approach to eliminate
gene function. The best technique to accomplish this goal would be
A. to design a repressor to bind to the operon of this gene.
B. use a histone deacetylase to induce a transcriptionally inactive state.
C. use a C. elegans strain with a homozygous TFIID mutation to prevent the translation
initiation complex from forming.
D. use RNA interference to prevent mRNA translation.
16-65
Clarify Question

o This question addresses loss-of-function mutations.
o A loss-of-function gene mutation is a mutation that “breaks” the gene, preventing it
from working.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about loss-of-function mutations?

o Loss-of-function mutations are any mutation that results in less of the normal gene
activity.
o They may be due to total deletion of the gene, or a lower level of expression of the
mRNA, or because the protein cannot work at the normal rate.
o To mimic a loss-of-function mutation in this gene, should you design a repressor to
bind to the operon of this gene? Bad idea. First of all, eukaryotes like C. elegans don’t have
operons. Second, even if they did that would knock out several genes at once. Third, that
would be very difficult to do.
o To mimic a loss-of-function mutation in this gene, should you use a histone
deacetylase to induce a transcriptionally inactive state? No, that would probably inactivate
many many genes and kill the worms.
o To mimic a loss-of-function mutation in this gene, should you use a C. elegans strain
with a homozygous TFIID mutation to prevent the translation initiation complex from
forming? No, that would definitely affect all the genes and kill the worm.
Choose Answer
o To mimic a loss-of-function mutation in this gene, should you use RNA interference to
prevent mRNA translation? Yes! That is an excellent way to quickly mimic a loss-of-function
mutation in one specific gene.
16-66
Reflect on Process
16-67

o This question asked what approach would be a good substitute for finding a mutation
in a gene.
o Did you recognize that RNAi is a technique that allows a researcher to mimic a loss-
of-function mutation?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.06

52. The enzyme dicer chops dsRNA molecules into small pieces of
A. mRNA and miRNA.
B. miRNA and siRNA.
C. siRNA and rRNA.
D. mRNA and siRNA.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.06.02 Differentiate between the different kinds of posttranscriptional regulation.
Section: 16.06

53. The gene encoding apolipoprotein B exists in two isoforms, APOB100 and APOB48.
These two forms are produced as a result of
A. tissue-specific expression.
B. a gene mutation that results in a stop codon.
C. RNA editing.
D. alternative splicing.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-68
54. Production of the iron-storing protein ferritin is regulated by aconitase, which binds to a
30-nucleotide sequence at the beginning of the ferritin mRNA and interferes with ribosome
binding. Aconitase must be a
A. transcription repressor protein.
B. translation repressor protein.
C. RNA interference protein.
D. translation initiation protein.
16-69
Clarify Question

o This question addresses translational regulation.
o Ferritin is the gene whose expression is regulated in this question.
o Aconitase is the regulator protein.
o The ribosome is the complex which carries out translation.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about translational regulation?

o Translational regulation controls gene expression by regulating the amount of protein
produced.
o Since aconitase binds the mRNA to block ribosome binding, does that make it a
transcription repressor protein? No, because the ribosome is involved in translation.
o Since aconitase binds the mRNA to block ribosome binding, does that make it an RNA
interference protein? No, RNAi works by small RNA binding the mRNA sequence, leading to
cleavage of the mRNA.
translation initiation protein? No, because in this case it is blocking translation.
Choose Answer
translation repressor protein? Yes!
16-70
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to describe the role of aconitase in the regulation of ferritin.
o Did you recognize that since aconitase blocks ribosome binding to the mRNA, it must
16-71
be a repressor of translation?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

55. What is the difference between a gene that is derepressed and one that is induced?
A.
A gene that is derepressed is turned on because a repressor protein is not bound without its cofactor. By comparison, a gene
that is induced is turned on because an inducer molecule prevents binding of the repressor.
B.
Genes that are derepressed are turned on because an inducer molecule is present. By comparison, a gene that is induced is
turned on because a repressor protein is bound to the operator.
C.
There is no difference between a gene that is derepressed and one that is induced.
D.
A derepressed gene is turned off and an induced gene is activated to be expressed.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.03.01 Contrast control by induction and control by repression.
Section: 16.03

16-72
56. In your research, you have discovered that Protein X is often ubiquitinated in people with
a certain disease. What would you predict about levels of Protein X in these patients?
A. Levels of Protein X will be low due to degradation in the proteasome.
B. Levels of Protein X will be the same, just carrying a ubiquitin tag.
C. Levels of Protein X will be increased due to transcriptional activation.
D. Levels of Protein X will be decreased due to negative feedback on transcription.
E. Levels of Protein X will be increased due to protection from degradation.
16-73
Clarify Question

o This question addresses ubiquitination.
o Ubiquitinated proteins carry a ubiquitin tag.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about ubiquitination?

o Proteins are ubiquitinated to mark them for degradation.
o Eukaryotic cells selectively degrade proteins when they are no longer needed, by
marking them.
o The mark that cells use is the attachment of a ubiquitin molecule. Ubiquitin is a 76–
amino-acid protein that can exist as an isolated molecule or in longer chains that are attached
to other proteins.
o The process of ubiquitination followed by degradation by the proteasome is called the
ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. As the proteins are degraded, the ubiquitin chain itself is
simply cleaved back into ubiquitin units that can then be reused.
Choose Answer
o If a certain protein is abnormally tagged with ubiquitin, then its levels will greatly
decrease since it will be degraded in the proteasome.
16-74
Reflect on Process
o This question asked what would happen to levels of a protein that is ubiquitinated.
o Did you remember that ubiquitin is a tag that marks a protein for destruction via the
proteasome?
16-75


Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.07.02 Explain the function of the proteasome.
Section: 16.07
Topic: Protein Degradation

16-76
57. You are studying the effects of specific transcription factors on the activation of gene
expression. You notice that one particular transcription factor binds far away from the
promoter of its target gene. What can explain this?
A. The transcription factor transcribes small RNAs that then bind to the promoter and
activate the gene's expression.
B. The transcription factor tags the enhancer with ubiquitin to stimulate transcription.
C. DNA looping brings the transcription factor closer to the promoter and initiates gene
transcription.
D. RNA looping brings the transcription factor closer to the promoter and initiates gene
transcription.
16-77
Clarify Question

o This question addresses transcriptional regulation.
o Transcription factors are proteins that regulate transcription of their target genes.
o The promoter is the region of the gene just upstream from the transcription start site.
Gather Content
· What do you already know about transcriptional regulation?

o Transcription is regulated in eukaryotes by transcription factors.
o Specific transcription factors can bind at the promoter, or at more distant enhancer
sites.
o Is it likely that the transcription factor transcribes small RNAs that then bind to the
promoter and activate the gene's expression? No, because small RNAs would typically inhibit
gene expression.
o Is it likely that the transcription factor tags the enhancer with ubiquitin to stimulate
transcription? No, because only proteins are tagged with ubiquitin, to target them for
proteolysis.
o Is it likely that RNA looping brings the transcription factor closer to the promoter and
initiates gene transcription? No, because the pre-mRNA is not involved.
Choose Answer
o Is it likely that DNA looping brings the transcription factor closer to the promoter and
initiates gene transcription? Yes! This is how distant enhancers are thought to work.
16-78
Reflect on Process
o This question asked why a transcription factor might bind far from its target gene’s
promoter.
16-79

o Did you recognize that the transcription factor is likely binding an enhancer?
o Did you know that distant enhancers are thought to work by the looping of the DNA?

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.04.03 Explain how transcription factors can have an effect from a distance in the DNA.
Section: 16.04

Check All That Apply Questions

58. Control of gene expression

__X__ allows bacteria to adapt to changing environments.
__X__ is critical for development in multicellular organisms.
_____ allows bacteria to replicate without control.
__X__ allows multicellular organisms to maintain homeostasis.
_____ it stops multicellular organisms functioning as a whole.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

59. Examples of shapes in regulatory proteins that are used to bind to DNA include
__X__ zinc finger.
_____ TATA box.
__X__ helix-turn-helix.
__X__ leucine zipper.
_____ Doubledomain.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.02

16-80
60. A bacterial gene regulatory system is likely have

__X__ a coding sequence.
__X__ an operator.
_____ one or more introns.
_____ a motor.
__X__ a ribosome recognition site.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01
Topic: Gene Regulation

61. Control of the lac operon and lactose utilization in bacteria is

__X__ not induced in the presence of both glucose and lactose.
_____ only induced when there is glucose but not lactose.
__X__ is a negative control, mediated by a repressor.
__X__ controlled by the expression of three downstream genes.
_____ preferentially utilizing lactose as a carbon source.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.03

62. The eukaryotic transcription initiation complex is

__X__ transcription of virtually all genes transcribed by RNA pol II requiring the same suite
of general factors.
__X__ responsible for highly regulated transcription levels.
_____ only associated with RNA polymerase I.
__X__ interactive with activators through DNA looping.
_____ a basal factor associated with RNA pol II after positioning RNA pol II at the start site.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 16.01

16-81
63. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

__X__ is used to regulate expression of a number of cell surface receptors.
_____ requires only one molecule of ATP to target a protein.
__X__ targets proteins in a stepwise fashion via ubiquitin ligase adding ubiquitin residues to
the protein.
_____ is used to digest macromolecules.
__X__ does not destroy the ubiquitin moiety, but rather cleaves it off for reuse.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 16.07.01 Describe the role of ubiquitin in the degradation of proteins.
Section: 16.07

Multiple Choice Questions

64. Many factors bind around the core promoter to form the eukaryotic initation complex, but
the most important one is ______, which directly binds the TATA box.
A. TFIIA
B. TFIIB
C. TFIID
D. TFIIE
E. TFIIF
F. TFIIH
G. TAF

LO: 16.04.02 Describe the formation of a Pol II initiation complex.
Section: 16.04

16-82

Multiple Choice Questions: Control of Gene Expression

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Multiple Choice Questions: Control of Gene Expression

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Multiple Choice Questions: Control of Gene Expression

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are some differences between gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

What are some differences between gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

What is the lac operon and how is it regulated in bacteria?

What is the lac operon and how is it regulated in bacteria?

Chapter 16 - Control of Gene Expression

Multiple Choice Questions

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

2. The maintenance of a constant environment in a cell is called __________.

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

3. Through control of gene expression, a bacterial cell responds to changing __________

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

4. In multicellular organisms, the mechanism most directly responsible for directing

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

· What do you already know about gene regulation in bacteria?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

7. Transcriptional control-proteins increase the rate of transcription by binding to

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

· What do you already know about transcriptional regulatory proteins?

more desirable result?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

· What do you already know about operators and repressors?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

12. The hallmark of multicellular organisms is their ability to

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

13. Enhancers are the binding sites for the

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

14. Within its core a nucleosome contains ____ histones.

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

· What do you already know about small RNAs?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

· What do you already know about the lac operon?

problem and determine the answer.

Blooms Level: 4. Analyze

22. In eukaryotes, specific transcription factors have two distinct domains:

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

23. In order for transcription to be initiated

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

28. A defining characteristic of eukaryotic organisms is that they

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

29. The primary transcripts in eukaryotes are most accurately described as

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand