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Question 1 Calculator Allowed

The diagram shows a DNA profile taken from a crime scene.

Following are the DNA profiles of the suspects in this crime. Which one is the guilty individual?

A. B.

C. D.

[ © Revision Village 2022]

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 2 Calculator Allowed

What is the function of the Polymerase Chain Reaction?

A. To show that DNA replication is semi-conservative

B. To determine the sequence of bases in DNA

C. To make many copies of a sample of DNA

D. To incorporate Taq DNA into the sample

Markscheme
Difficulty: Easy

Question 3 Calculator Allowed

Unlike the majority of other DNA polymerases, Taq polymerase, which is used in PCR reactions can withstand high temperatures without
denaturing. Which of the following is a likely source for Taq polymerase?

A. Bacteria living in the Arctic

B. Bacteria from the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park

C. Microorganisms in Siberia's deep permafrost

D. Bacteria found in the undergrowth of rainforests

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 4 Calculator Allowed

What bond is formed between two glucose molecules to form maltose?

A. Hydrogen

B. Peptide

C. Alpha 1-4 linkage

D. Phosphodiester

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 5 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 5]

Gel electrophoresis is a technique often used to analyse DNA molecules. It includes a gel and an electric field. The diagram below shows the
outcome of gel electrophoresis.

[Source: Adapted from Vedran. (2019, October 30). Agarose gel. Agarose Gel | Free SVG. Retrieved May 08, 2022, from https<no
link>://freesvg.org/agarose-gel. Copyright under CC BY.]
1. DNA is a type of nucleic acid. State one location where DNA is found in cells.
1
2. Deduce, with a reason, which direction the DNA fragment moves through the gel.
2
3. Distinguish between the functions of DNA and RNA in unicellular organisms.
2
 Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 6 Calculator Allowed

Which event happens in the leading strand but not in the lagging strand?

A. DNA polymerase I removes the RNA primer and replaces it with DNA.

B. DNA polymerase III adds free nucleotides in the direction of the replication fork.

C. Ligase joins DNA fragments together.

D. Helicase unwinds the strands by breaking hydrogen bonds.

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 7 Calculator Allowed

Which of these answers is true in relation to the polymerase chain reaction?

I. High temperatures are used

II. It produces exact copies of a segment of DNA

III. It requires DNA ligase and restriction endonucleases

A. I, II and III

B. I and III

C. II only

D. I and II

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 8 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 10]

Below is an image showing the results from a paternity test.

[©Revision Village 2023]

 1. State the two properties of DNA fragments that allow them to be separated on a gel.
1
2. Outline the method used in DNA profiling in paternity testing to reach the stage shown in the diagram.
3
3. Deduce, with a reason, who is most likely to be the father of:

1. Child A
1
2. Child B
1

4. State one use other than paternity testing for DNA profiling.
1
5. Draw a circle around the heaviest DNA band in father 4’s sample.
1
6. Suggest why it is important to analyse the DNA of the mother, as well as the father in paternity testing.
1
7. State one potential source of error in DNA profiling.
1

Markscheme

Difficulty: Easy

Question 9 Calculator Allowed

The diagram below shows the replication of DNA.

[Source: Adapted from Version 8.25 Textbook OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology. (2016, May). File:0323 DNA Replication.jpg. Wikimedia
commons. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:0323_DNA_Replication.jpg. Copyright under CC-BY 4.0]

Which of the following are correct functions of structures P, Q and S?

P Q S

A. Adds free nucleotides to the 3' end of the

Unwinds and separates the DNA New strand made in fragments
new DNA strand

B. Adds free nucleotides to the 5' end of the The template strand, running Carries amino acids to the growing strand of
new DNA strand from 3' to 5' DNA

C. Carries amino acids to the growing strand of Adds free nucleotides to the 5' end of the
New sense strand
DNA new DNA strand

D. Adds free nucleotides to the 3' end of the New strand running from 5' to
Unwinds and separates the DNA
new DNA strand 3'

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 10 Calculator Allowed

What distinguishes DNA polymerase from RNA polymerase?

DNA polymerase RNA polymerase

A.
Synthesizes a new DNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction Synthesizes an RNA strand in the 3' to 5' direction
 B. Binds thymine containing nucleotides to adenine containing Binds uracil containing nucleotides to adenine containing
nucleotides nucleotides

C. Binds uracil containing nucleotides to adenine containing

Synthesizes an RNA strand in the 3' to 5' direction
nucleotides

D.
Used in transcription Used in RNA replication

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 11 Calculator Allowed

Which of the following are examples of discoveries made using radioactive isotopes?

I. Discovery of the light-dependent photosynthesis pathways using the 14 C and 12 C isotopes.

II. Discovery of DNA as the main genetic material using the 32 P and 35 S isotopes.

III. Discovery of the semi-conservative replication of DNA using the 15 N and 14 N isotopes.

A. I only

B. II only

C. II and III only

D. I, II, and III

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 12 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 5]
The diagram below shows a replication fork which forms during DNA replication.

[Source: Adapted from LadyofHats Mariana Ruiz. (2014, December). File: DNA_replication_hy.svg. Wikimedia commons. Retrieved May 22nd,
2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DNA_replication_hy.svg. Copyright under CC-0]

1. On the diagram above, label the following structures.

1. The 5' and 3' ends of both template strands.
1
 2. With the letter E, label the strand in which replication is continuous.
1
3. With the letter P, label the protein that keeps both strands separated.
1

2. Compare and contrast the role of DNA polymerase I and DNA primase.
2

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 13 Calculator Allowed

The table below shows the percentage of nitrogenous bases found in the DNA of Escherichia coli bacteria.

Adenine Cytosine Guanine Thymine

32% 18% 18% 32%

What conclusion can be made based on the data shown in the table above?

A. There is complementary base pairing between adenine and thymine, and between cytosine and guanine
B. The total amount of cytosine and guanine is less because there are fewer hydrogen bonds between cytosine and guanine
C. The bacteria contain a circular chromosome which prevents errors when nitrogenous bases pair up
D. The percentage composition of base pairs found in chromosomes and plasmids is different

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 14 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 10]

Data was collected on the protein composition of venom samples taken from the Malayan Krait (B. candidus) found in three localities; Malaysia,
Indonesia and Thailand. All samples were carefully transported and preserved at temperatures below 20

o
C. The graph shows the number of different types of protein found in each venom sample.

[Source: Adapted from Rusmili, M., Othman, L., Abidin, SA., Yusof, FA., Ratanabanangkoon, K., Chanhome, L., Hodgson, W., Chaisakul, J. (2019).
Variations in neurotoxicity and proteome profile of Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venoms. PLoS ONE 14(12): e0227122. Retrieved May 14,
2023, from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227122.Copyright-free]
1. 1. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this investigation.
1
2. Venom samples were collected from different snakes, in different localities. Suggest two controlled variables, other than temperature,
that would support the collection of comparable samples.
1

Below are the results from gel electrophoresis of one group of venom proteins.
[© Revision Village 2023]
2. 1. Identify the group of venom proteins shown.
1
2. Explain how proteins are separated using gel electrophoresis.
2

Different mice were envenomed with samples from each of the three localities. It was observed that the venom with the lowest neurotoxicity
was from the Malayan krait sampled in Malaysia.

3. Suggest why it was important to transport venom samples at temperatures below 20

o 2
C.

4. List two advantages of using mice as model organisms for humans

1

The venom samples were further analysed, and it was suggested that the Three Finger Toxins group (3FTx) of proteins contributed
significantly to the neurotoxicity of the venom. This prompted a closer analysis of the different types of 3FTx proteins found in each venom
sample. The data was presented in a graph.

[Source: Adapted from Rusmili, M., Othman, L., Abidin, SA., Yusof, FA., Ratanabanangkoon, K., Chanhome, L., Hodgson, W., Chaisakul, J.
(2019).Variations in neurotoxicity and proteome profile of Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venoms. PLoS ONE 14(12): e0227122. Retrieved
May 14, 2023, from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227122.Copyright-free]

5. Based on the data, suggest which type of 3FTx protein is most likely responsible for differences in the levels of toxicity observed between2
the different venom samples. Justify your answer.

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 15 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 7]
The diagram below shows the replication of DNA.
[Source: Adapted from Version 8.25 Textbook OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology. (2016, May). File:0323 DNA Replication.jpg. Wikimedia
commons. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:0323_DNA_Replication.jpg. Copyright under CC-BY 4.0]

1. Describe the characteristics of the enzyme Taq polymerase.

2
2. Suggest what the consequences for a cell would be if transcription were to stop.
2
3. Outline the roles of all enzymes involved in the replication of DNA and in the synthesis of mRNA through transcription.
3

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 16 Calculator Allowed

Which row represents the steps of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the correct order?

I II III IV

Sample is At 72⁰C Taq DNA polymerase

A. heated to 95 Temperature is reduced to 53⁰C produces two double-stranded Primers attach to both strands
⁰C copies

Sample is At 72⁰C Taq DNA polymerase

B. heated to 95 Temperature is reduced to 53⁰C Primers attach to both strands produces two double-stranded
⁰C copies

Primers At 72⁰C Taq DNA polymerase

C. attach to both Sample is heated to 95 ⁰C produces two double-stranded Temperature is reduced to 53⁰C
strands copies

Primers At 72⁰C Taq DNA polymerase

D. attach to both produces two double-stranded Sample is heated to 95 ⁰C Temperature is reduced to 53⁰C
strands copies

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 17 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 16]

1. Enzymes are needed for genetic modification. Outline the role of named enzymes in genetic modification.
3
2. Outline the stages of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
4
3. Discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with Bt corn.
8

Markscheme

Difficulty: Medium

Question 18 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 10]

The image shows a basic principle behind the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The use of PCR revolutionized the biotechnology industry and
opened up possibilities for many applications.
[Source: Adapted from Forluvoft, & Leyo. (2009, September 23). File: DNA simple.svg. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from
https<no link>://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: DNA_simple.svg. Copyright-free.]
1. List three uses for the DNA copies that are produced.
3
2. Outline the function of DNA primers in the polymerase chain reaction.
2
3. Explain the reason for using Taq polymerase in the polymerase chain reaction.
2
4. Describe one application of the DNA profiles that are produced by PCR and visualized by gel electrophoresis.
3

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard

Question 19 Calculator Allowed

[Maximum mark: 15]

The cloning of plasmids is an essential skill for many research projects. There are various techniques for this type of cloning, but the first steps
involving the use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligation are long and often inefficient. The development of more reliable and
economical techniques has been important in increasing our ability to manipulate DNA.

In vivo techniques have been successful in yeast and E.coli using DNA fragments with overlapping nucleotide sequences. However, if the
overlapping sequences are too long it becomes problematic and sometimes more expensive because of the size of the primers required. To try
to increase the efficiency of this method, further research was carried out, using E. coli and DNA fragments with homologous ends prepared
using the PCR technique from template plasmids using Q5 DNA polymerase. In the first experiment, 2.6 kB plasmids were formed inside E. coli
from 2 DNA fragments with varying lengths of overlapping nucleotide sequences (nt OL). Successful recombinations could be identified, as
only these plasmids led to the fluorescence of the cells.

[Source: Adapted from Huang, F., Spangler, J. R., & Huang, A. Y. (2017). In vivo cloning of up to 16 kb plasmids in E. coli is as simple as PCR.
PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183974. Retrieved January 5 2023, from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183974. Copyright under CC BY
4.0]
1. Describe the pattern of successful recombinants for the E.coli colonies shown in the photographs.
1
2. What is the function of DNA polymerase in the PCR technique?
1

The cloning accuracy was calculated as the percentage of the total colony number that was fluorescent. The total number of colonies and the
cloning accuracy for the different overlapping nucleotide lengths are shown in the table and graph below.
[Source: Adapted from Huang, F., Spangler, J. R., & Huang, A. Y. (2017). In vivo cloning of up to 16 kb plasmids in E. coli is as simple as PCR.
PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183974. Retrieved January 5 2023, from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183974. Copyright under CC BY
4.0]
3. Calculate the number of colonies with successful DNA recombinations on the agar plate with 25 overlapping nucleotides.
1
4. 1. Explain how DNA recombination occurs with overlapping nucleotides.
2
2. Suggest a reason for the results seen in the agar plates containing E.coli with DNA fragments with 0 or 6 overlapping nucleotides.
1

5. Suggest a possible reason for the high cloning accuracy with 9 overlapping nucleotides.
1

Cloning efficiency was then investigated with different numbers of DNA fragments which had 18 or 25 overlapping nucleotides. The results
from the experiment are shown below.

[Source: Adapted from Huang, F., Spangler, J. R., & Huang, A. Y. (2017). In vivo cloning of up to 16 kb plasmids in E. coli is as simple as PCR.
PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183974. Retrieved January 6 2023 from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183974. Copyright under CC BY
4.0]
 6. From the photographs of the petri dishes, deduce what effect the number of DNA fragments has on the number of colonies with successful
DNA recombinations.
1
7. Calculate the percentage increase in the number of colonies for the 25 nucleotide overlap compared to the 18 nucleotide overlap for the
recombination of 2 DNA fragments.
1

The investigation was extended to see how plasmid size and the number of DNA fragments affected DNA recombination in E.coli. The graphs
below show the colony numbers resulting from either 2 DNA fragments or 3 DNA fragments being joined together to form different-sized
plasmids (measured in kilobases).

[Source: Adapted from Huang, F., Spangler, J. R., & Huang, A. Y. (2017). In vivo cloning of up to 16 kb plasmids in E. coli is as simple as PCR.
PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183974. Retrieved January 6 2023 from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183974. Copyright under CC BY
4.0]
2
8. Compare and contrast the results for the number of colonies produced from 2 DNA fragments and 3 DNA fragments.

Lastly, the accuracy of the cloning of the plasmids in colonies was tested. Colonies containing the 3 different sized plasmids were selected at
random, plasmids were extracted and these were tested using gel electrophoresis. The results of 6 plasmids from each of the 3 different sizes
are shown below.

[Source: Adapted from Huang, F., Spangler, J. R., & Huang, A. Y. (2017). In vivo cloning of up to 16 kb plasmids in E. coli is as simple as PCR.
PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0183974. Retrieved January 6 2023 from https<NO LINK>://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183974. Copyright under CC BY
4.0]

9. Identify the plasmid number and size that has not been cloned accurately.
1
10. Using all the results provided, discuss whether they support the hypothesis that the most efficient process for bioscience research using
plasmid recombination and cloning in bacteria is to use 2 DNA fragments, with 25 nucleotide overlap to form 2.6 kB plasmids.
3

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard

Question 20 Calculator Allowed

A DNA profile was made using DNA from a crime scene. Locus TH01 was used to identify whether a suspect’s DNA matched the crime scene
DNA. The suspect’s two alleles of the gene at Locus TH01 are shown below.
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The alleles TH01-6 and TH01-4 were separated and visualised with gel electrophoresis. The resulting gel, with two bands of DNA, is shown
below.

[© Revision Village 2022]

What is the DNA in Band B and why is this DNA at this position?

A. TH01-4; smaller fragments travel faster and farther in the gel

B. TH01-4; smaller fragments are more attracted to the negative pole

C. TH01-6; larger fragments travel faster and farther in the gel

D. TH01-6; larger fragments are more attracted to the positive pole

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard

Question 21 Calculator Allowed

Which of the following is/are characteristic(s) of Taq polymerase?

I. Requires a DNA primer
II. Works well at temperatures above 98°C
III. Used in gel electrophoresis to fluorescent tag DNA molecules

A. I only
B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard

Question 22 Calculator Allowed

The diagram below shows the DNA band pattern from the first two generations of a bacterial culture. Generation numbers are indicated at the
bottom of the diagram. Bacteria were grown before the experiment in a medium containing a heavy isotope of nitrogen, 15 N, and then
transferred to the medium with the light isotope, 14 N which marked the beginning of the experiment (generation 0).
[ © Revision Village 2022]
What evidence in generation 2 supports the theory that DNA replication is semi-conservative?

A. There are two bands; a band for the heavy 15 N and a band for the light 14 N

B. There are two bands; both bands contain half 14 N and half 15 N

C. There are two bands; a band for a hybrid of 15 N - 14 N DNA and a band for the light 14 N molecule

D. There are two bands; both bands only contain 14 N

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard

Question 23 Calculator Allowed

The diagram shows a DNA profile of a child and the profiles of three potential pairs of parents. Which pair(s) could be the actual parents of the
child?

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A. Parents X only

B. Parents Y only

C. Parents Y and Z only

D. Parents X and Z only

Markscheme

Difficulty: Hard