Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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What does "duplication" describe in genetic terms?

  1. Reversing a chromosomal segment

  2. Repeating a segment of DNA

  3. Removing a chromosomal segment

  4. Translocating a segment

The correct answer is: Repeating a segment of DNA

In genetic terms, "duplication" describes the process where a segment of DNA is repeated, resulting in the presence of one or more copies of that segment within the chromosome. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as errors during DNA replication or the unequal crossing over during meiosis. The outcome of duplication can lead to an increase in gene dosage, which may affect gene expression and contribute to evolutionary processes by providing additional genetic material that can acquire new functions over time. This characteristic sets it apart from other genetic modifications, like inversion, deletion, or translocation, which involve rearranging or removing genetic information rather than adding it. Understanding duplications is essential in genetics, as they can be involved in various genetic disorders and evolutionary adaptations.

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