Download AP Biology Potential Essay Questions for Unit 4

AP Biology Potential Essay Questions for Unit 4
1. State the conclusions reached by Mendel in his work on the inheritance of
characteristics. Explain how each of the following deviates from these conclusions:
a. Autosomal linkage
b. Sex-linked (X-linked) inheritance
c. Polygenic (multiple-gene) inheritance
2. Discuss the variety of gene interactions listed below. Be sure to explain the
inheritance patter as well as give an authentic example of each.
a. Incomplete/partial dominance
b. Epistasis
c. Pleiotrophy
d. Multiple gene/polygenic inheritance
e. Multiple alleles
3. Experiments by the following scientists provided critical information concerning DNA.
Briefly describe each classical experiment and indicate how it provided evidence for
the chemical nature of the gene.
a. Hershey and Chase
b. Griffith and Avery, Macleod, and McCarty
c. Meselson and Stahl
4. Describe the biochemical composition, structure and replication of DNA. Be sure to
include any enzymes that are required.
5. Describe the steps of protein synthesis, beginning with transcription and ending with
the release of the polypepetide from the ribosome. Include in your answer a
discussion of how the different types of RNA function in this process.
6. Concerning the control of gene expression in prokaryotes:
a. What is an operon?
b. What are the genes on an operon and what does each do?
c. What is the difference between an inducible operon and a repressible operon?
7. Concerning the control of gene expression in eucaryotes: list and describe the five
levels of regulation and state whether the regulation occurs in the nucleus or in the
cytoplasm.