mutations-quiz

Mutations Quiz

by Jeramie ZellerPublished: December 14, 2025

Molecular Biology
Mutations are the subtle yet powerful changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to significant biological diversity and evolution. Understanding these genetic alterations is crucial for grasping the complexities of life itself. Are you ready to test your knowledge and see how well you understand the fascinating world of mutations? Let’s get started!
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Mutations Quiz
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1. What is a mutation?
A basic definition of mutation.

Mutations Quiz Questions Overview

1. What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence
A type of protein
A cellular organelle
A form of energy

2. Which of the following can cause mutations?

Radiation
Chemicals
Viruses
All of the above

3. What is a point mutation?

A mutation that affects a single nucleotide
A mutation that affects an entire chromosome
A mutation that results in a frameshift
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA

4. Which type of mutation is most likely to cause a frameshift?

Insertion
Substitution
Silent
Missense

5. What is a silent mutation?

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence
A mutation that causes a stop codon
A mutation that changes the amino acid sequence
A mutation that deletes a nucleotide

6. Which of the following is an example of a beneficial mutation?

Lactose tolerance in humans
Sickle cell anemia
Cystic fibrosis
Huntington’s disease

7. What is a missense mutation?

A mutation that changes one amino acid to another
A mutation that introduces a stop codon
A mutation that deletes a nucleotide
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA

8. What is a nonsense mutation?

A mutation that introduces a stop codon
A mutation that changes one amino acid to another
A mutation that deletes a nucleotide
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA

9. What is a chromosomal mutation?

A mutation that affects the structure or number of chromosomes
A mutation that affects a single nucleotide
A mutation that results in a frameshift
A mutation that changes one amino acid to another

10. What is the difference between a somatic mutation and a germline mutation?

Somatic mutations occur in body cells; germline mutations occur in reproductive cells
Somatic mutations occur in reproductive cells; germline mutations occur in body cells
Somatic mutations are always beneficial; germline mutations are always harmful
Somatic mutations are caused by viruses; germline mutations are caused by chemicals

11. What is a mutagen?

An agent that causes mutations
A type of genetic disorder
A DNA repair enzyme
A type of RNA molecule

12. Which of the following is an example of a mutagen?

Ultraviolet light
Water
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide

13. What is a genetic disorder?

A disease caused by mutations in the DNA
A type of bacterial infection
A viral infection
A metabolic disorder

14. Which of the following is a common genetic disorder caused by a mutation?

Cystic fibrosis
Influenza
Diabetes
Hypertension

15. What is a deletion mutation?

A mutation that removes a segment of DNA
A mutation that adds a segment of DNA
A mutation that changes one nucleotide to another
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA

16. What is an insertion mutation?

A mutation that adds a segment of DNA
A mutation that removes a segment of DNA
A mutation that changes one nucleotide to another
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA

17. What is a duplication mutation?

A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA
A mutation that removes a segment of DNA
A mutation that changes one nucleotide to another
A mutation that adds a segment of DNA

18. What is a translocation mutation?

A mutation that moves a segment of DNA from one chromosome to another
A mutation that duplicates a segment of DNA
A mutation that removes a segment of DNA
A mutation that changes one nucleotide to another

19. What is a genetic mosaic?

An organism with cells of different genetic makeup
An organism with identical cells
A type of genetic disorder
A DNA repair mechanism

20. What is the role of DNA repair mechanisms?

To fix mutations in the DNA
To cause mutations in the DNA
To replicate the DNA
To transcribe the DNA

21. Which of the following is a type of DNA repair mechanism?

Nucleotide excision repair
Transcription
Translation
Replication
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