This quiz contains a mix of SL and HL questions
1. Silent mutations may occur in base substitutions due to which feature of the genetic code?
  • A. Universality
  • B. Non-overlapping
  • C. Degeneracy
  • D. Complementary
2. Which type of mutation is most likely to be passed on to offspring?
  • A. Mutations that occur in non-coding regions of the DNA
  • B. Mutations that occur during DNA replication
  • C. Mutations that occur in the somatic cells
  • D. Mutations that occur in the germ cells
3. What is the relationship between mutations and natural selection?
  • A. Mutations are the sole driver of natural selection
  • B. Mutations are a response to environmental changes
  • C. Mutations are random, and natural selection acts on the resulting variation
  • D. Natural selection actively creates beneficial mutations

Q4&5 - The table below shows an mRNA codon table:

Genetic Code table by Sarah Greenwood

 Sarah Greenwood
CC BY-SA 4.0
4. Which substitution mutation on a DNA strand will lead to a silent mutation involving the amino acid proline (Pro)?
  • A. CCU to CCG
  • B. GAA to GAC
  • C. GCT to GGA
  • D. GGA to GGT
5. Sickle cell disease is caused by a base substitution in the DNA coding for the beta chain of haemoglobin. The template DNA sequence changes from CTC → CAC.  What is the correct corresponding amino acid change?
  • A. Val → Glu
  • B. Glu → Val
  • C. His → Leu
  • D. Tyr → Arg

6. What are possible causes of gene mutation?

I. Errors in DNA transcription
II. Errors in DNA replication
III. Chemical mutagens
IV. All forms of radiation
  • A. I and II only
  • B. II and III only
  • C. I, II, and III only
  • D. I, II, III, and IV
7. What is a key limitation of gene knockout technology?
  • A. It is too expensive and time-consuming to implement
  • B. It can only be used to study the function of protein-coding genes
  • C. Some genes cannot be knocked out without causing embryonic death
  • D. CRISPR/Cas9 cannot be used

8. The diagram below shows a CRISPR/Cas9 system:

CRISPR-Cas9 system

Which option below correctly describes the labels X, Y and Z?

 Laura Parra Villar- Reproducción Asistida ORG (edited)
CC BY-SA 4.0
  X Y Z
A Contains exons only Contains allosteric binding site  Guide RNA
B Bound to histones Increases activation energy Guide DNA
C Not bound to histones Contains active site Guide DNA
D Contains introns and exons Lowers activation energy Guide RNA
9. CRISPR is most likely to be effective in treating which condition?
  • A. Obesity
  • B. Down Syndrome
  • C. Cancer
  • D. Sickle cell disease

10. Which of the following options applies to conserved or highly conserved sequences in genes?

I. Code for proteins vital for cellular functions
II. Have faster rates of mutation
III. Resulted from increased exposure to mutagens
IV. Provides evidence for LUCA
  • A. I and II only
  • B. II and III only
  • C. I and IV only
  • D. I, III, and IV


Background Image by Tim Tim
CC-BY-SA 4.0