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Structure of DNA Trivia Quiz

What do you know about the basic structure of DNA?

A multiple-choice quiz by Cher40. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Cher40

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
268,841

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
5378

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 80 (8/10), Guest 94 (4/10), Guest 99 (5/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The structural shape of DNA is, of course, the famous double helix. What is a "double helix"? Hint

Two Y-shaped strand

Two loops, like a figure eight

Two spirals, like a twisty ladder

Two X-shaped strands

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Question 2 of 10

2. DNA is constructed of repeating units. What are these units called? Hint

Amino acids

Fatty acids

Monosaccharides

Nucleotides

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Question 3 of 10

3. In DNA, to what base does adenine bond? Hint

Guanine

Other adenines

Cytosine

Thymine

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Question 4 of 10

4. What bases are called purines? Hint

Thymine & cytosine

Adenine & thymine

Adenine & guanine

Guanine & cytosine

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Question 5 of 10

5. To whom is the discovery of the structure of DNA credited? Hint

Charles Darwin

Gregor Mendel

Alexander Fleming

Watson & Crick

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Question 6 of 10

6. What part of DNA is found at the centre of the molecule? Hint

Sugars

Bases

Phosphates

Amino Acids

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Question 7 of 10

7. Weak hydrogen bonds are found between which molecules in DNA? Hint

Between acids

Between purines

Between sugars and phosphates

Between bases

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Question 8 of 10

8. What process is used to copy DNA to produce another identical strand? Hint

Transcription

Photocopying

Translation

Replication

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Question 9 of 10

9. To what molecule is the nitrogen base attached in a nucleotide? Hint

Sugar

Helix

Phosphate

Lipid

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Question 10 of 10

10. What kind of sugar is found in DNA? Hint

Deoxyribose

Galactose

Ribose

Glucose

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Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The structural shape of DNA is, of course, the famous double helix. What is a "double helix"?

Answer: Two spirals, like a twisty ladder

The double helix shape of DNA is two spirals, resembling a twisted ladder, or two spring coiled together.

2. DNA is constructed of repeating units. What are these units called?

Answer: Nucleotides

A nucleotide consists of a nitrogen base, a sugar, and a phosphate.

3. In DNA, to what base does adenine bond?

Answer: Thymine

Adenine and thymine always bond together, just as cytosine and guanine always bond together.

4. What bases are called purines?

Answer: Adenine & guanine

Purines always bond with pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are both purines, bonding to the pyrimidines thymine and cytosine respectively.

5. To whom is the discovery of the structure of DNA credited?

Answer: Watson & Crick

James Watson and Francis Crick are widely credited with the discovery of the structure of DNA, based on research carried out by Rosalind Franklin. Darwin is associated with natural selection, Fleming with the discovery of penicillin, and Mendel with genetics.

6. What part of DNA is found at the centre of the molecule?

Answer: Bases

The phosphates and sugars are found on the outside of the molecule while the bases are found in the centre.

7. Weak hydrogen bonds are found between which molecules in DNA?

Answer: Between bases

The bases guanine and cytosine form three hydrogen bonds, while the bases adenine and thymine share two hydrogen bonds.

8. What process is used to copy DNA to produce another identical strand?

Answer: Replication

In replication, an exact copy of the DNA strand is created as it "unzips" and complementary nucleotides rebuild each side. Transcription and translation are used during protein synthesis.

9. To what molecule is the nitrogen base attached in a nucleotide?

Answer: Sugar

In a nucleotide, the base is bonded to the sugar, as is the phosphate, so that the phosphates and bases are not bonded together. The phosphates and sugars repeat to form the outer sides of the ladder-shape, while the bases, bonded to the sugars, form the ladder-like rungs on the inside of the molecule.

10. What kind of sugar is found in DNA?

Answer: Deoxyribose

Deoxyribonucleic acid contains the 5-carbon deoxyribose sugar. RNA contains ribose sugar. Galactose and glucose are not found in nucleic acids.

Source: Author Cher40

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