PrepGo

AP Biology Practice Quiz: Transcription and RNA Processing

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 11 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 11

Which of the following correctly describes the central flow of genetic information from a DNA template?

All Questions (11)

Which of the following correctly describes the central flow of genetic information from a DNA template?

A) DNA -> RNA -> protein

B) RNA -> DNA -> protein

C) Protein -> RNA -> DNA

D) DNA -> protein -> RNA

Correct Answer: A

The provided content states that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, which is the central dogma of molecular biology.

What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA) as described in the text?

A) To form the structural components of ribosomes.

B) To transfer specific amino acids to the ribosome.

C) To carry genetic information from the DNA.

D) To synthesize a complementary DNA strand.

Correct Answer: C

The content explicitly states that mRNA 'carries genetic info' as its function.

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing a complementary RNA molecule using a DNA template strand during transcription?

A) DNA polymerase

B) Helicase

C) RNA polymerase

D) Ligase

Correct Answer: C

The text states, 'In transcription, RNA polymerases use a DNA template strand to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule.'

If a DNA template strand has the sequence 3'-TACGGC-5', what is the sequence of the mRNA molecule synthesized by RNA polymerase?

A) 5'-ATGCCG-3'

B) 3'-AUGCCG-5'

C) 5'-AUGCCG-3'

D) 5'-UACGCC-3'

Correct Answer: C

RNA polymerase reads the DNA template from 3' to 5' and synthesizes the new mRNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction. The complementary bases are A to U, T to A, C to G, and G to C.

In eukaryotes, which of the following is a post-transcriptional modification that helps generate a mature mRNA molecule?

A) The removal of exons from the transcript.

B) The addition of a poly-A tail to the 3' end.

C) The attachment of RNA polymerase to the promoter.

D) The synthesis of the transcript in the 3' to 5' direction.

Correct Answer: B

The content lists three modifications to eukaryotic mRNA transcripts: the addition of a poly-A tail, the addition of a GTP cap, and the splicing of introns.

According to the provided text, the specific function of an RNA molecule is determined by which of its properties?

A) Its location within the cytoplasm.

B) The number of ribosomes it can bind to.

C) Its sequence and structure.

D) The type of DNA polymerase that created it.

Correct Answer: C

The text directly states, 'The sequence and structure of an RNA molecule determine its function.'

Which statement accurately describes the directionality of transcription?

A) RNA polymerase reads the DNA template 5' to 3' and synthesizes mRNA 3' to 5'.

B) RNA polymerase reads the DNA template 3' to 5' and synthesizes mRNA 5' to 3'.

C) RNA polymerase reads the DNA template 5' to 3' and synthesizes mRNA 5' to 3'.

D) RNA polymerase reads the DNA template 3' to 5' and synthesizes mRNA 3' to 5'.

Correct Answer: B

The content specifies that 'RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA in the 5' to 3' direction by reading the DNA template strand from 3' to 5'.'

The process of splicing, which occurs in eukaryotes, involves the removal of which components from the primary mRNA transcript?

A) The poly-A tail

B) Exons

C) The GTP cap

D) Introns

Correct Answer: D

The text describes mRNA modifications as including 'the splicing of introns to generate a mature mRNA molecule,' indicating that introns are the segments that are removed.

Which type of RNA is primarily responsible for forming the core structure of ribosomes?

A) mRNA (messenger RNA)

B) tRNA (transfer RNA)

C) rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

D) pre-mRNA

Correct Answer: C

The provided content states that rRNA 'forms ribosomes.'

A researcher identifies a primary RNA transcript in a eukaryotic cell that has just been synthesized. Which of the following events must occur before this molecule is considered a mature mRNA ready for translation?

A) The RNA must be used as a template to synthesize a new DNA strand.

B) The RNA must be folded into a ribosome.

C) Introns must be spliced out, and a poly-A tail and GTP cap must be added.

D) Amino acids must be attached to its 3' end by tRNA.

Correct Answer: C

This question synthesizes all the information from point 5. To become a mature mRNA, the primary transcript must undergo modifications including the addition of a poly-A tail, a GTP cap, and the splicing of introns.

What is the functional difference between tRNA and mRNA?

A) tRNA carries genetic information, while mRNA forms ribosomes.

B) tRNA transfers amino acids, while mRNA carries genetic information.

C) tRNA is a component of DNA, while mRNA is a component of proteins.

D) tRNA is processed with a poly-A tail, while mRNA is not.

Correct Answer: B

The content defines the roles of these two RNA types distinctly: 'mRNA (carries genetic info), tRNA (transfers amino acids)'.