In a PCR, the polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3'-hydroxyl of the terminal nucleotide of each primer. Briefly describe how this results in the amplification of the single region of interest in the genome
What will be an ideal response?
The primers are used to initiate DNA synthesis by the polymerase and the antiparallel nature of the DNA ensures that the region between the primers is replicated while the region outside the primers is not.
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Which of the following was the likely origin of chloroplasts?
a. cyanobacteria b. mitochondria c. extremophiles d. prokaryotes
How is the Ames test for mutagenicity useful for identifying potential carcinogens?
A) Bacteria do not get cancer so they can survive lethal carcinogens. B) Substances that mutate bacterial DNA are likely to mutate human DNA. C) Bacteria thrive on substances that could cause cancer in humans. D) The same genes that cause cancer in humans can be mutated in bacteria. E) Liver enzymes alter the bacteria so they will behave like human cells.
What significant genetic function occurs in the S phase of the cell cycle?
A) karyokinesis B) centromere division C) chromosome condensation D) cytokinesis E) DNA synthesis
Answer the following questions true (T) or false (F)
1. A small minority of mutations is adaptive, providing an improvement to the gene pool of the population. 2. Genetic drift has a much more significant effect on small populations than on large populations. 3. Without mutation, evolution would eventually cease, because mutations create the variation that evolution acts upon.