Question 1
Multiple choiceEasy1 markA particular gene is inactive in a non-dividing somatic cell. Which description is consistent with the gene having been switched off at the first stage of gene expression?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. The first stage of gene expression is transcription. When transcription is switched off, no new RNA is transcribed from the gene; using DNA as a template does not change its base sequence.
B: assumes that switching off transcription alters the DNA sequence.
C: confuses switching off transcription with continued transcription while a later stage is inactive.
D: assumes the DNA template is consumed or destroyed rather than used without changing its sequence.
Remember: transcription changes gene expression, not the DNA base sequence.