IB Biology HL D2.2 Gene expression questions

Exam-style multiple choice and written questions with full markschemes. Check multiple choice answers straight away, or type, photograph or draw a written answer and get it marked.

Question 1

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

In a cell, cytosines in the promoter of gene P are methylated, while amino acids in histones in nucleosomes associated with gene H are methylated. Which interpretation of transcription is consistent with these tags?

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Answer: C. Cytosine methylation in a promoter represses transcription of the downstream gene. In contrast, methylation of histone amino acids in nucleosomes can either repress or activate transcription. A: Extends the two possible effects of histone methylation to promoter cytosine methylation. B: Reverses the effect of promoter cytosine methylation, although its histone statement is correct. D: Treats histone methylation as invariably repressive, excluding its possible activating effect. Remember: the effect of methylation depends on whether the tag is on promoter DNA or histones.