BIOL 4087 Block 4 – DNA Replication, Transcription & Repair Mechanisms (185 Questions) 2026 Comprehensive Molecular Biology Review

This BIOL 4087 Block 4 review contains 185 detailed questions and answers covering advanced molecular biology concepts for the 2026 academic year. The document comprehensively reviews DNA structure and chromatin organization (exons, introns, histones, heterochromatin vs. euchromatin), DNA topology and replication mechanisms (topoisomerase, helicase, SSB proteins, DNA polymerases I and III, proofreading, exonuclease activity, trombone model, Okazaki fragments), replication termination (oriC, Tus/Ter), and DNA repair pathways including mismatch repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, homologous recombination, and non-homologous end joining. In addition, the material provides in-depth coverage of transcription and RNA processing (sigma factors, promoter sequences, rho-dependent and rho-independent termination, 5' capping, poly(A) tail formation, splicing), the genetic code and wobble hypothesis, tRNA structure and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase function, ribosomal A/P/E sites, antibiotics targeting protein synthesis, and regulatory systems such as lac and trp operons. It further explores protein analysis techniques (Edman degradation, mass spectrometry, isoelectric focusing, blotting methods, Sanger sequencing), post-translational modifications, metabolic pathways (galactose and fructose metabolism), glucose transporters (GLUT2, GLUT4), prostaglandin synthesis, membrane microdomains, chromatin regulation, cell junctions, and hormonal regulation in fed and fasting states. Presented in a structured, high-yield Q&A format, this resource supports upper-level undergraduate biology students preparing for molecular biology block examinations, biochemistry assessments, and medical school prerequisite coursework. The content aligns with standard textbooks such as Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts et al.) and Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (Nelson & Cox) commonly used in advanced biology curricula. This document may be relevant for: BIOL 4087 Molecular Biology Advanced Cell Biology Biochemistry II Genetics and Genomics Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Programs Biomedical Sciences Majors It is particularly useful for upper-division biology students, pre-medical students, biochemistry majors, biomedical science students, and individuals preparing for comprehensive molecular biology examinations. Keywords: DNA replication, DNA repair pathways, mismatch repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, homologous recombination, non homologous end joining, transcription regulation, RNA processing, sigma factors, genetic code, wobble hypothesis, tRNA structure, ribosome binding sites, operon regulation, Sanger sequencing, mass spectrometry protein analysis, post translational modifications, glucose transporters, prostaglandins, chromatin acetylation, molecular biology exam review