JUNIOR CYCLE SEMESTER 2
Molecular Medicine Module
Short Notes Examination Paper
Summer 2007
All questions must be attempted.
Each answer must be written on the separate A4 page provided.
The time allocated for each question is 10 minutes.
[1] Human genomic DNA is complexed with proteins to form chromatin within the living cell.
The most basic level of chromatin structure is the nucleosome. Explain the basic repeating
structure of the nucleosome (using a diagram if possible) and write a brief note on histone proteins.
[2] In order to ensure correct responses to environmental changes, gene expression in eukaryotic
cells is under tight regulation. Discuss the role inducible transcription factors play in the initiation
of gene expression and how they are activated.
[3] Protein translation can be viewed as occurring in 3 stages – initiation, elongation and
termination. Write short notes on initiation of translation in eukaryotes. Diagrams may be used to
illustrate the process.
[4] Diagnostic testing for genetic disease has an important role to play in modern medicine.
Describe the method of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with reference to:
(a) Components of the reaction
(b) Temperature
(c) Primers
[5] A disease that is due to a defect in a single gene will exhibit a Mendelian inheritance pattern
through a pedigree. Write short notes on modes of inheritance for:
(a) Autosomal Recessive inheritance
(b) X-linked Recessive inheritance
(c) Extra-nuclear inheritance.
[6] The most basic technique for investigating a patient with a suspected chromosomal aberration
is the G-banded karyotype. Describe how a G-banded karyotype is produced in the laboratory.
[7] Proto-oncogene activation is a key feature in the development of malignant disease. Write short
notes on how proto-oncogenes can be activated by chromosome rearrangements. Examples and
diagrams may be used to illustrate your answer.
[8] Write short notes on three strategies viruses use for evading immune detection and host
immune defences.
[9] List the four classes of drugs used to treat HIV infection. Discuss the pharmacology of one
class of anti-HIV agent.
[10] Gene therapy continues to offer much hope for the future treatment of a variety of clinical
conditions. Discuss the use of viral delivery systems for gene therapy giving one specific example.
END OF PAPER
, Junior Cycle 2 Examination in Molecular Medicine Answer Paper Summer 2007
Student I.D. No.:
Q.1: Human genomic DNA is complexed with proteins to form chromatin within the living cell.
The most basic level of chromatin structure is the nucleosome. Explain the basic repeating
structure of the nucleosome (using a diagram if possible) and write a brief note on histone proteins.
Answer:
Molecular Medicine Module
Short Notes Examination Paper
Summer 2007
All questions must be attempted.
Each answer must be written on the separate A4 page provided.
The time allocated for each question is 10 minutes.
[1] Human genomic DNA is complexed with proteins to form chromatin within the living cell.
The most basic level of chromatin structure is the nucleosome. Explain the basic repeating
structure of the nucleosome (using a diagram if possible) and write a brief note on histone proteins.
[2] In order to ensure correct responses to environmental changes, gene expression in eukaryotic
cells is under tight regulation. Discuss the role inducible transcription factors play in the initiation
of gene expression and how they are activated.
[3] Protein translation can be viewed as occurring in 3 stages – initiation, elongation and
termination. Write short notes on initiation of translation in eukaryotes. Diagrams may be used to
illustrate the process.
[4] Diagnostic testing for genetic disease has an important role to play in modern medicine.
Describe the method of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with reference to:
(a) Components of the reaction
(b) Temperature
(c) Primers
[5] A disease that is due to a defect in a single gene will exhibit a Mendelian inheritance pattern
through a pedigree. Write short notes on modes of inheritance for:
(a) Autosomal Recessive inheritance
(b) X-linked Recessive inheritance
(c) Extra-nuclear inheritance.
[6] The most basic technique for investigating a patient with a suspected chromosomal aberration
is the G-banded karyotype. Describe how a G-banded karyotype is produced in the laboratory.
[7] Proto-oncogene activation is a key feature in the development of malignant disease. Write short
notes on how proto-oncogenes can be activated by chromosome rearrangements. Examples and
diagrams may be used to illustrate your answer.
[8] Write short notes on three strategies viruses use for evading immune detection and host
immune defences.
[9] List the four classes of drugs used to treat HIV infection. Discuss the pharmacology of one
class of anti-HIV agent.
[10] Gene therapy continues to offer much hope for the future treatment of a variety of clinical
conditions. Discuss the use of viral delivery systems for gene therapy giving one specific example.
END OF PAPER
, Junior Cycle 2 Examination in Molecular Medicine Answer Paper Summer 2007
Student I.D. No.:
Q.1: Human genomic DNA is complexed with proteins to form chromatin within the living cell.
The most basic level of chromatin structure is the nucleosome. Explain the basic repeating
structure of the nucleosome (using a diagram if possible) and write a brief note on histone proteins.
Answer:
