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What is a primer in DNA sequencing?

A. A short piece of double-stranded DNA that binds to the template DNA and acts as a "starter" for the polymerase.

B. A short piece of double-stranded DNA that binds to the primer and acts as a "starter" for the template.

C. A short piece of single-stranded DNA that binds to the template DNA and acts as a "starter" for the polymerase.

D. A short piece of single-stranded DNA that binds to the polymerase and acts as a "starter" for the template.

Answer Explanation:

A primer is a short single-stranded DNA fragment used in certain laboratory techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

In the PCR method, a pair of primers hybridizes with the sample DNA and defines the region that will be amplified.

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Choice A) A short piece of double-stranded DNA that binds to the template DNA and acts as a “starter” for the polymerase is incorrect because primers are single-stranded, not double-stranded.

Choice B) A short piece of double-stranded DNA that binds to the primer and acts as a “starter” for the template is incorrect because it does not make sense for a primer to bind to itself.

Choice D) A short piece of single-stranded DNA that binds to the polymerase and acts as a “starter” for the template is incorrect because primers bind to the template DNA, not to the polymerase.

Note: DNA primers are used instead of RNA primers in DNA sequencing and PCR because DNA is more stable, specific, and compatible with the enzymes and processes involved in these techniques.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: A nurse is conducting a research study to compare the effects of two different pain medications on postoperative patients. The nurse randomly assigns the patients to either receive medication A or medication B. Which of the following is the best way to ensure that the study is valid and reliable?

    A. Use a large sample size and a standardized procedure for administering the medications.

    B. Use a placebo group and a double-blind technique for giving the medications.

    C. Use a matched-pairs design and a crossover technique for switching the medications.

    D. Use a convenience sample and a pretest-posttest design for measuring the pain levels.

    Answer Explanation

    The correct answer is choice B.

    Using a placebo group and a double-blind technique for giving the medications is the best way to ensure that the study is valid and reliable.

    A placebo group helps control for the placebo effect, which can influence the results of a study.

    A double-blind technique means that neither the patients nor the researchers know which medication is being given, reducing bias.

    Choice A is not the best answer because while a large sample size and standardized procedure can increase reliability, they do not address validity.

    Choice C is not the best answer because a matched-pairs design and crossover technique are useful for reducing variability but do not address validity.

    Choice D is not the best answer because a convenience sample may not be representative and a pretest-posttest design does not control for extraneous variables.

  • Q #2: What is the organelle that encapsulates the contents of the cell and plays a vital role in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell?.

    A. Ribosome

    B. Nucleus

    C. Mitochondria

    D. Plasma membrane.

    Answer Explanation

    The plasma membrane is the organelle that encapsulates the contents of the cell and plays a vital role in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

    It is a selectively permeable barrier that separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment.

     

     

    2,156 Plasma Membrane Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

     

    Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes are organelles involved in protein synthesis, not in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

    Choice B is incorrect because the nucleus is an organelle that contains the cell’s genetic material, not in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

    Choice C is incorrect because mitochondria are organelles involved in energy production, not in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

  • Q #3: Which of the following is a mechanism that the body uses to regulate blood pH levels?

    A. Increased respiration rate to remove excess CO2.

    B. Decreased respiration rate to retain CO2.

    C. Increased water intake to dilute the blood.

    D. Decreased water intake to concentrate the blood.

    Answer Explanation

    The correct answer is choice A.

    Increased respiration rate to remove excess CO2.

    The body regulates blood pH through several mechanisms, including chemical buffers, the respiratory system, and the urinary system.

    The respiratory system can adjust blood pH by changing the rate of respiration to remove or retain CO2.

    When there is excess acid in the blood, the respiratory rate increases to remove more CO2, which helps to raise blood pH.

    Choice B is incorrect because decreasing the respiration rate would retain CO2, which would lower blood pH.

    Choice C is incorrect because increased water intake would not directly affect blood pH levels.

    Choice D is incorrect because decreased water intake would not directly affect blood pH levels.