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Unit 2 of 5

Unit 2: Genetics and Molecular Biology

Study guide for CLEP CLEP Biology — Unit 2: Genetics and Molecular Biology. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

71

Practice Questions

13

Flashcards

9

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Mendelian inheritance
DNA replication
gene expression
biotechnology techniques
sex-linked traits
linkage and recombination
polygenic inheritance
multiple alleles
non-Mendelian inheritance

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 71.

Q1MEDIUM

A researcher is studying the effects of a new pesticide on a population of rabbits. The pesticide is found to increase the expression of a gene that codes for an enzyme involved in detoxification. Which of the following best describes the likely outcome of this increased gene expression?

A) The rabbits will become more resistant to the pesticide over time.
B) The rabbits will experience no change in population size due to the pesticide.
C) The rabbits will experience a decrease in population size due to the pesticide.
D) The rabbits will become less resistant to the pesticide over time.
E) The rabbits will become more susceptible to other environmental toxins
Show Answer

Answer: A — Increased expression of the detoxification enzyme will allow the rabbits to break down the pesticide more efficiently, making them more resistant.

Q2MEDIUM

What type of inheritance pattern is observed in ABO blood type?

A) Sex-linked
B) Codominance
C) Dominant-recessive
D) Polygenic
E) Incomplete dominance
Show Answer

Answer: B — Codominance is correct because both A and B alleles have equal effect, and the individual expresses both.

Q3MEDIUM

What is the term for the process by which a single gene can have multiple different effects on an organism's phenotype?

A) Polygenic inheritance
B) Mutation
C) Genetic drift
D) Pleiotropy
E) Epigenetics
Show Answer

Answer: D — Pleiotropy occurs when one gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. This is a key concept in understanding the complex relationships between genotype and phenotype.

Q4MEDIUM

What is the result of a frameshift mutation?

A) Nonsense mutation
B) Completely new protein
C) Silent mutation
D) Missense mutation
E) Completely non-functional protein
Show Answer

Answer: E — Completely non-functional protein is correct because frameshift mutations alter the reading frame, usually resulting in a non-functional protein.

Q5MEDIUM

What type of inheritance pattern does the ABO blood type exhibit?

A) Incomplete dominance
B) Dominant-recessive
C) Codominance
D) Sex-linked inheritance
E) Polygenic inheritance
Show Answer

Answer: C — Codominance is correct because ABO blood type exhibits codominance, where both alleles have an effect..

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Study Tips for Unit 2: Genetics and Molecular Biology

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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