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UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet
Exam in: MBV4120 Eukaryotic Genes and Genomes Day of exam: Friday February 20, 2009
Exam hours: 09.00 – 12.00
This examination paper consists of 2 pages.
Appendices: None
Permitted materials: None
The written exam gives a maximum score of 100 points. There are 20 short questions. Each
of the questions gives 5 points each.
Give short answers (3-10 sentences) to all questions! Use drawings or figures to illustrate
your answer if you like.
Make sure that your copy of this examination paper is complete before answering.
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I Genes and Genomes
1. Give a short definition of the terms genome, transcriptome and proteome!
2. How would you define a gene? What differences in general gene structure can be
found comparing eukaryotic organisms ranging from yeast to humans?
3. Eukaryotic genomes contain both repeated and non-repeated DNA sequences. Give an
account of the content of repeated and non-repeated sequences! Make a schematic
drawing to illustrate your answer if you like.
4. Where are the genes for the mitochondrial proteome encoded? What types of genes
are found in most mitochondrial genomes?
II Non-coding RNA and Transposable elements
5. Describe the structure of LTR retroposons. Which gene products are encoded by such
elements and how are they generated? What additional gene product is encoded by
retroviruses?
6. Give an account of the mechanism of movement of eukaryotic transposons! How can
they duplicate in the genome? What are the properties of transposases?
MBV4120 -2009 (E)
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7. Give a brief account of the different types of non-coding RNAs that have been
identified!
8. Explain what microRNA is and how it is generated! What kind of proteins is involved
in the processing and how do they function?
III Chromosomes and Epigenetics
9. Briefly describe the structure and function of telomeres!
10. What is the difference between passive and active demethylation of DNA?
11. Briefly outline the three described mechanisms for removing methyl marks from
histone proteins!
12. What is imprinting?
IV Genetic methodology and model organisms
13. Describe briefly methods that are available for forward and reverse genetic
modification of a model organism of your choice!
14. What is the difference between gene replacement and transfection by non-homologous
recombination? How can this difference be visualized experimentally?
15. If a protein-coding gene is mutated, is there always an observable phenotype at the
organism level? What would be the case for non-protein coding genes? In both cases,
explain why!
16. What factors can affect the transcription of transfected or transformed DNA? By
which method for genetic modification can such effects be largely avoided?
V Developmental biology
17. How is the anterior pole formed in the Drosophila egg?
18. What is the difference between a maternal and a zygotic factor? Name one maternal
factor and one zygotic factor involved in the formation of the anterior pole!
19. Give an example of epigenetic regulation in Arabidopsis development. Describe
briefly the proteins and mechanisms involved?
20. CURLY LEAF (CLF) is a H3K27 methyltransferase that targets the Arabidopsis gene
AGAMOUS (C-function). What happens to floral organ development in a clf mutant?
Explain why!
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