SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)

TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

6.1 DNA and genetic information

1. Describe the structure of DNA based on the Watson and Crick model.
[12 marks]
(PSPM 2010/11)

6.2 DNA Replication

2. FIGURE 1 shows DNA replication.

FIGURE 1

(a) Name the parts labeled X and Y. [2 marks]

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(b) Name ONE enzyme involved in DNA replication and state its function. [2 marks]
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(c) Why DNA replication is described as semiconservative? [2 marks]

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(d) Name the stage of the cell cycle when this process occurs. [1 mark]
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(UPS 2008/09)
 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

3. Name and explain the function of all proteins involved in DNA replication.
[12 marks]
(PSPM 2006/07)

4. Describe the process of DNA replication according to the semi-conservative theory.

[10 marks]
(PSPM 2008/09)

5. Explain the enzymes involved in DNA replication.

[10 marks]
(PSPM 2022/23)

6. Differentiate between the synthesis of leading and lagging strands.

[4 marks]
(PSPM 2022/23)

6.3 Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation

5. Describe the differences between replication and transcription. [10 marks]

(PSPM 2012/13)

6. FIGURE 2 shows two processes that occur in a eukaryotic cell.

 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

FIGURE 2
(a) Name processes labeled A and B in FIGURE 2. [2 marks]
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(b) What are P, Q and Z? [3 marks]
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(c) If the nucleotide sequence of strand W is AGGCTTACCGTA, write the

nucleotide sequence of strand Z. [1 mark]
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(d) What is the importance of strand Z? [1 mark]

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(e) Which part of the cell that process B occurs? [1 mark]

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 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

(f) Give TWO differences between process A and B. [2 marks]

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(UPS 2006/07)

7. Describe transcription process. [12 marks]

(PSPM 2013/14)

8. FIGURE 3 shows structure C which is involved in a synthesis in eukaryote cell.

FIGURE 3

(a) Name structure C. [1 mark]

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(b) Name all type of bases found in the nucleotides which form structure C. [1 mark]
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(c) What is the function of 3‘-OH end in structure C? [1 mark]
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(d) Name the bond involved in forming and maintaining the 3-dimensional
configuration of structure C. [1 mark]
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(e) Name the process and stage in which structure C is involved. [2 marks]
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(f) Name the part of structure C which specifically recognizes a site on mRNA.
[1 mark]
 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

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(g) Give THREE important components involved in the activation of structure C.

[3 marks]
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(PSPM 2004/05)

9. FIGURE 4 shows the translation process involved in expression of biological information.

FIGURE 4
(a) (i) Define the translation process. [2 marks]
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(ii) Which part of the cell does this process take place? [1 mark]
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(b) Name bond D and molecule E. [2 marks]

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(c) What is the reading direction of ribosome on mRNA in FIGURE 4? [1 mark]

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(d) State the base sequence on molecules F and G. [2 marks]

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 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

(e) Based on FIGURE 4, state TWO tRNA binding sites on the ribosome?
[2 marks]
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(UPS 2010/11)
10. FIGURE 5 shows the processes of protein synthesis in eukaryote.

FIGURE 5

(a) (i) What is the base sequence of the Codon 1? [1 mark]

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(ii) What is the anticodon sequence for (a)(i)? [1 mark]
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(b) Name the enzyme involved in the production of Y. [1 mark]

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(c) Name X and give its function in protein synthesis. [2 marks]

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(d) Give THREE differences between molecules X and Y. [3 marks]

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 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

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(e) Where does molecule Y go after its synthesis? [1 mark]

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(f) Name ONE enzyme involved in the production of polypeptide Z. [1 mark]

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(PSPM 2011/12)
11. (a) Define the following terms:

(i) Transcription
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(ii) Translation
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[2 marks]

12. The incorporation of amino acids into a polypeptide chain is based on specific genetic
code present on the mRNA. Explain the features of genetic code. [8 marks]
(PSPM 2013/14)

13. Describe the elongation process in protein translation. [8 marks]

(PSPM 2010/11)

14. Explain the differences between transcription and translation. [10 marks]
(PSPM 2016/17)

6.4 Gene Regulation and expression – lac operon

15. FIGURE 6 shows the lactose operon system.

FIGURE 6
 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

(a) Draw an arrow from the T box to show the new location for repressor if
there is no lactose. [1 mark]
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(b) Referring to the new location for T molecule, why -galactosidase is not
synthesized? [2 marks]
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(c) Explain how lactose molecules induce the production of -galactosidase.

[2 marks]
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(d) State the function of the following genes: R, P and Q. [3 marks]

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(UPS 2004/05)

16. FIGURE 7 shows the regulatory mechanism of lac operon of E. coli in human intestine.
A and B represent some of the elements and genes involved in theregulation.
 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

FIGURE 7

(a) What is meant by an operon? [2 marks]

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(b) Give the names of A and B. [2 marks]

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(c) What are C and D? [2 marks]

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(d) (i) What will happen to C when the individual drinks milk containing
glucose? [l mark]
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(ii) Give reasons for your answer in (d)(i). [2 marks]

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(e) State the function of the product encoded by gene y. [1 mark]

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(PSPM 2005/06)

17. FIGURE 8 shows part of model of E. coli lac operon.

 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

FIGURE 8

(a) Name lacI, structure K and S. [3 marks]

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(b) Where FIGURE 8 does the RNA polymerase bind to? Name the site.
[2 marks]
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(c) Name molecule T. [1 mark]

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(d) What will happen to S in the presence of T? [2 marks]

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(e) What is the function of lacI and lacZ? [2 marks]

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(PSPM 2009/10)
 SDS BIOLOGY 1 (SB015)
TOPIC 6 : EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

18. (a) Explain what is an operon? [5 marks]

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(b) Explain the mechanism of lac operon in the absence and presence of lactose
[10 marks]

(c) State ALL components of the lac operon in E. coli and briefly describe the
function of each component. [10 marks]
(PSPM 2015/16)

19. Define operon and describe the components of lac operon. [10 marks]
(PSPM 2016/17)

20. Describe the components of lac operon and their functions. [10 marks]
(PSPM 2012/13)

21. Describe the mechanisms of operon control in E.coli when lactose is present. [10 marks]
(PSPM 2008/09)

22. Explain the regulation of gene expression in lac operon. [8 marks]

(PSPM 2006/07)
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