IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Inheritance & variation

Chromosomes, genes & proteins: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Chromosomes, genes & proteins questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Inheritance & variation. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Chromosomes, genes & proteins practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

In a molecule of DNA, 22% of the bases are adenine (A).
What percentage of the bases are guanine (G)?

  1. A 22%
  2. B 26%
  3. C 28%
  4. D 78%
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

A haploid nucleus contains

  1. A two sets of chromosomes
  2. B no chromosomes
  3. C a single set of chromosomes
  4. D 46 chromosomes
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 3Structured · 5 marksA* challenge

Genes are found on chromosomes in the nucleus.

(a)

Define a gene.

[1]
(b)

Define an allele.

[1]
(c)

Describe how the sequence of bases in a gene controls the protein made.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)length of DNA coding for a protein
a length of DNA that codes for a protein B1
1
(b)alternative form of a gene
an alternative form of a gene B1
1
(c)triplets code amino acids; mRNA; ribosome
the base sequence determines the amino acid sequence B1
mRNA copies the gene and goes to a ribosome B1
amino acids are joined in that order B1
3
Question 4Structured · 3 marks

A karyotype shows the chromosomes of a cell.

(a)

State the number of pairs of chromosomes in a human body cell.

[1]
(b)

Explain the meaning of diploid.

[1]
(c)

State the sex chromosomes of a human male.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)23
23 pairs B1
1
(b)two sets of chromosomes
a nucleus containing two sets of chromosomes (pairs) B1
1
(c)XY
XY B1
1
Question 5Structured · 12 marks

This question is about DNA and protein synthesis.

(a)

Describe the structure of a DNA molecule.

[3]
(b)

Write the sequence of bases on the strand complementary to CGTAAC.

[1]
(c)

State how the sequence of bases in a gene determines the protein made.

[2]
(d)

Describe how a protein is made at a ribosome, starting from the gene in the nucleus.

[4]
(e)

A mutation changes one base in a gene. Explain how this could affect the protein.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)two strands; double helix; bases pair A–T, C–G
two strands coiled into a double helix B1
each strand has a sequence of bases B1
bases pair A with T and C with G (complementary) B1
3
(b)GCATTG
GCATTG B1
1
(c)base sequence codes for sequence of amino acids
the sequence of bases determines the sequence of amino acids B1
which determines the shape and function of the protein B1
2
(d)mRNA copy of gene made in nucleus; moves to ribosome; ribosome reads bases; amino acids joined in correct order
the gene is copied into mRNA in the nucleus B1
mRNA passes out of the nucleus to a ribosome B1
the ribosome reads the base sequence (in triplets) B1
amino acids are brought and joined in the order coded B1
4
(e)different amino acid; protein shape changes, may not function
may code for a different amino acid B1
changing the shape of the protein so it may not function (e.g. active site) B1
2
Question 6Structured · 4 marks

Human body cells contain 46 chromosomes.

(a)

State the number of chromosomes in a human sperm cell.

[1]
(b)

Explain what is meant by a haploid nucleus.

[1]
(c)

Explain how sex is inherited in humans.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)23
23 B1
1
(b)one set of chromosomes
a nucleus containing one set of chromosomes (unpaired) B1
1
(c)XX female, XY male; 50 % chance
females are XX and males XY B1
sperm carry X or Y, so there is a 50 % chance of each sex B1
2

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