Midterm Exam: Developmental Biology Lecture

SEM1: 2023-2024

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C 1. What is considered the seminal work in the field of developmental biology, laying
the foundation for the discipline? a. Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA structure b.
Mendel's laws of inheritance c. Spemann and Mangold's experiments with newt
embryos d. Pasteur's germ theory

B 2. Who is often referred to as the "father of embryology" for his observations of chick
embryonic development? a. Charles Darwin b. Aristotle c. Gregor Mendel d. Robert
Hooke

C 3. The concept of epigenesis, proposing that new structures arise during

development, was championed by: a. William Harvey b. Andreas Vesalius c. Aristotle d.
Gregor Mendel

B 4. What is the term for the process by which a single fertilized egg gives rise to a
multicellular organism with specialized cells and tissues? a. Gametogenesis b.
Embryogenesis c. Cleavage d. Differentiation

C 5. The study of how genes control the development of an organism is known as: a.
Genetics b. Genomics c. Developmental genetics d. Epigenetics

C 6. Hox genes play a crucial role in the development of an organism by regulating: a.

Cell division b. Cell differentiation c. Body plan and segment identity d. Genetic
mutations

A 7. The process of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role in sculpting tissues
and organs during development is called: a. Apoptosis b. Mitosis c. Necrosis d. Meiosis

B 8. Why is the process of gastrulation crucial for embryonic development? a. It marks

the end of early development. b. It establishes the basic body plan with three germ
layers. c. It triggers organ differentiation. d. It initiates the formation of the placenta.

D 9. The correct sequence of steps in the scientific method is: a. Observation,

hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion b. Hypothesis, observation,
experimentation, conclusion, analysis c. Observation, experimentation, hypothesis,
analysis, conclusion d. Hypothesis, experimentation, observation, analysis, conclusion

D 11. Replicability in scientific research refers to the: a. Ability to reproduce results in

different experiments b. Unpredictability of experimental outcomes c. Use of replicas in
experiments d. Repetition of experiments with the same variables

B 12. Identify the structure formed during gastrulation that becomes the future mouth
or anus in the developing embryo. a. Blastomere b. Blastopore c. Neural tube d. Yolk
sac

A 13. Which germ layer gives rise to the nervous system, epidermis, and associated
structures? a. Ectoderm b. Mesoderm c. Endoderm d. Trophoblast

D 14. What is the role of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) in developmental biology
studies? a. Model organism for human development b. Source of embryonic stem cells
c. Pioneer in in vitro fertilization d. Model organism for genetic studies

B 15. What is the primary outcome of gastrulation in terms of embryonic development?

a. Formation of the neural tube b. Establishment of the body axes c. Initiation of organ
differentiation d. Creation of the trophoblast

B 16. What is a blastula in embryonic development? a. Early stage of development with

three germ layers b. Fluid-filled cavity surrounded by a single layer of cells c. Final stage
of development before birth d. Formation of the neural tube

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal
 C 17. What is the process of gastrulation in embryonic development? a. Formation of
the blastocyst b. Folding of the neural tube c. Formation of the three germ layers d.
Differentiation of stem cells

B 18. What is embryogenesis? a. The study of insects b. The development of an embryo

from a fertilized egg c. The process of cell division d. The formation of new tissues in
adults

D 19. During which stage of development do cells become specialized in structure and
function? a. Fertilization b. Cleavage c. Gastrulation d. Differentiation

C 20. Which process involves the movement of cells to their final location during
embryonic development? a. Neurulation b. Gastrulation c. Cell migration d. Cleavage

D 21. Which term refers to the reversible and undifferentiated state of cells in early
embryonic development? a. Totipotent b. Pluripotent c. Multipotent d. Unipotent

C 22. What is the primary outcome of gastrulation in terms of embryonic development?

a. Formation of the neural tube b. Establishment of the body axes c. Initiation of organ
differentiation d. Creation of the trophoblast

B 23. Which term describes the process of cell movement and organization to form
specific structures and organs during development? a. Cell division b. Cell
differentiation c. Cell migration d. Apoptosis

B 24. What is regeneration in the context of developmental biology? a. The growth of

extra limbs b. The ability of an organism to replace lost or damaged body parts c. The
formation of identical twins d. The production of abnormal cells

B 25. What is the main function of the mitochondria in a cell? a. Synthesizing proteins b.
Energy production through cellular respiration c. Storage of genetic material d.
Detoxification of harmful substances

D 26. Which cellular structure is responsible for protein synthesis? a. Golgi apparatus b.
Endoplasmic reticulum c. Nucleus d. Ribosome

B 27. What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell? a. Synthesizing lipids
b. Modifying, packaging, and transporting proteins c. Energy production d. DNA
replication

C 28. What is the purpose of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a eukaryotic cell? a.
Energy production b. Synthesizing lipids and steroids c. Synthesizing and modifying
proteins d. Storage of genetic material

B 29. What is the role of the cytoskeleton in a cell? a. Cell communication b.

Maintaining cell shape and structural support c. Energy production d. DNA replication

B 30. Which cellular structure is responsible for maintaining cell turgor pressure and
storing nutrients? a. Nucleus b. Vacuole c. Ribosome d. Endoplasmic reticulum

C 31. What is the primary function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell? a. Synthesizing
ATP b. Controlling cellular respiration c. Containing genetic material and regulating
cellular activities d. Modifying and packaging proteins

C 32. Define gastrulation. a. The process of blastocyst formation b. The formation of the
blastopore c. The differentiation of the three germ layers d. The initiation of
organogenesis

B 33. What is the role of RNA in cellular processes? a. Storing genetic information b.
Translating genetic information into proteins c. Controlling cell division d. Providing
structural support to the cell

C 34. Which cellular structure is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the
cell? a. Lysosome b. Peroxisome c. Endoplasmic reticulum d. Nucleus

C 35. What is the purpose of the centrioles in animal cells? a. Synthesizing proteins b.
Cellular respiration c. Facilitating cell division d. Storing genetic material

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal
 C 36. What is gene expression? a. The storage of genetic information in DNA b. The
process of translating DNA into RNA c. The regulation of gene activity to produce a
functional product d. The formation of new genes through mutation

A 37. Which of the following is responsible for carrying the genetic code from the DNA
to the ribosome during protein synthesis? a. mRNA b. tRNA c. rRNA d. DNA polymerase

C 38. What is the role of transcription factors in gene expression? a. They catalyze the
synthesis of mRNA. b. They regulate the rate of translation. c. They control the initiation
of transcription. d. They facilitate DNA replication.

B 39. The process of translation in gene expression occurs in the: a. Nucleus b.

Cytoplasm c. Endoplasmic reticulum d. Golgi apparatus

A 40. In eukaryotes, where does mRNA processing, including the addition of a 5' cap
and poly-A tail, occur? a. Nucleus b. Cytoplasm c. Ribosome d. Endoplasmic reticulum

C 41. Which of the following is a key component of the post-transcriptional

modification of mRNA in eukaryotes? a. Introns b. Exons c. Spliceosomes d. Codons

A 45. The three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid is
called a: a. Codon b. Anticodon c. Exon d. Intron

A 46. What is the primary function of tRNA during translation? a. Carrying amino acids
to the ribosome b. Transcribing DNA to RNA c. Initiating translation d. Splicing introns
from mRNA

D 47.The process of turning off or reducing gene expression is known as: a. Translation
b. Transcription c. Replication d. Gene silencing

C 48.Which of the following best describes the role of ribosomes in gene expression? a.
Synthesizing mRNA b. Synthesizing DNA c. Synthesizing proteins d. Synthesizing tRNA

C 49.What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology? a. DNA replication →

Transcription → Translation b. Translation → Transcription → DNA replication c.
Transcription → Translation → DNA replication d. Translation → DNA replication →
Transcription

B 50. Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during
transcription? a. DNA polymerase b. RNA polymerase c. Reverse transcriptase d. Ligase

B 51.What is the function of mRNA in the Central Dogma? a. Carrying amino acids to
the ribosome b. Transmitting genetic information from DNA to protein c. Carrying
genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm d. Initiating transcription

B 52. In the context of the Central Dogma, where does translation take place? a.
Nucleus b. Ribosome c. Endoplasmic reticulum d. Golgi apparatus

A 53. Which of the following molecules is involved in both transcription and translation?
a. mRNA b. tRNA c. rRNA d. DNA polymerase

A 54.The removal of introns and joining of exons during mRNA processing is known as:
a. Splicing b. Capping c. Polyadenylation d. Replication

A 55. In the Central Dogma, what is the role of reverse transcriptase? a. Synthesizing
DNA from RNA b. Synthesizing RNA from DNA c. Initiating translation d. Removing introns
from mRNA

A 56.Which of the following correctly represents the flow of genetic information in the
Central Dogma? a. DNA → RNA → Protein b. RNA → DNA → Protein c. Protein → RNA →
DNA d. RNA → Protein → DNA

A 57. What is the purpose of the 5' cap and poly-A tail in eukaryotic mRNA? a.
Enhance stability and protect against degradation b. Facilitate transcription c. Initiate
translation d. Promote reverse transcription

D 58.The reverse process of transcription, where RNA is used as a template to synthesize

DNA, is known as: a. Translation b. Replication c. Reverse translation d. Reverse
transcription

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal
 A 59.What does the concept of genomic equivalence propose? a. All cells in an
organism have the same genetic information. b. Each cell type in an organism has a
unique set of genes. c. The number of genes varies between individuals. d. Genes are
inherited independently of each other.

A 60.Which term refers to the phenomenon where cells with the same genetic material
exhibit different functions and characteristics? a. Genomic equivalence b. Gene
silencing c. Cellular differentiation d. Pleiotropy

C 61.What is the term for the process by which cells become specialized in structure
and function during development? a. Transcription b. Replication c. Differentiation d.
Translation

B 62.Which of the following statements about stem cells is true in the context of
genomic equivalence? a. Stem cells are fully differentiated and specialized. b. Stem
cells have the potential to give rise to multiple cell types. c. Stem cells have a fixed and
unalterable genetic code. d. Stem cells are only found in animals, not in plants.

B 63.In the context of genomic equivalence, what is the significance of epigenetic

modifications? a. They alter the DNA sequence itself. b. They are reversible changes
that can affect gene expression. c. They result from mutations in the germ cells. d. They
are specific to the coding regions of genes.

A 64.What is the purpose of using model organisms in genetic research? a. To simplify

genetic studies by focusing on organisms with fewer genes b. To study the complexities
of human genetics directly c. To reduce the cost of genetic research d. To avoid
ethical concerns associated with human studies

A 65. Which model organism is commonly used to study development due to its rapid
embryonic development and transparency? a. Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) b.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) c. Mouse (Mus musculus) d. Caenorhabditis elegans

B 66.The use of model organisms in genetics allows researchers to: a. Draw conclusions
specific to the model organism only. b. Identify common genetic principles applicable
to a wide range of organisms. c. Avoid the need for ethical considerations. d. Bypass
the process of peer review.

A 67.Which model organism has been instrumental in understanding the molecular

basis of circadian rhythms? a. Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) b. Zebrafish (Danio
rerio) c. Mouse (Mus musculus) d. Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

C 68.In the study of human diseases, why are mice often chosen as model organisms?
a. Mice have fewer genes than humans. b. Mice have a shorter lifespan than humans.
c. Mice share a significant portion of their genes with humans. d. Mice are resistant to
genetic mutations.

B 69. Identify the process in which a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote.
a. Gametogenesis b. Fertilization c. Cleavage d. Implantation

B 70. What is the specific term for the resulting cell formed after the fusion of sperm and
egg during fertilization? a. Blastocyst b. Zygote c. Embryo d. Morula

A 71. Which structure surrounds the oocyte and participates in the block to polyspermy
during fertilization? a. Zona pellucida b. Coronal radiata c. Fallopian tube d. Corpus
luteum

B 72. During fertilization, what is the acrosome of a sperm cell primarily responsible for?
a. Carrying genetic material b. Penetrating the egg's protective layers c. Initiating
cleavage d. Providing energy for the sperm

B 73. What is the term for the process where the sperm penetrates the egg membrane?
a. Acrosome reaction b. Fertilization reaction c. Zygote formation d. Gastrulation

C 74. Where does fertilization typically occur in humans? a. Uterus b. Ovary c. Fallopian
tube d. Cervix

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal
B 75. Identify the stage at which the zygote begins to undergo cleavage divisions. a.
Blastocyst b. Morula c. Gastrula d. Embryo

B 76. Define gametogenesis. a. The fusion of sperm and egg b. The production of
gametes (sperm and egg) from germ cells c. The development of the zygote d. The
implantation of the blastocyst

A 77. What is spermatogenesis? a. The production of sperm cells b. The production of

egg cells c. The fusion of gametes d. The early development of the embryo

A 78. In females, where does oogenesis primarily occur? a. Ovary b. Uterus c. Fallopian
tube d. Cervix

B 79. Identify the event in oogenesis where an egg cell is released from the ovary. a.
Fertilization b. Ovulation c. Menstruation d. Implantation

B 80. What is the name of the process that reduces the chromosome number by half
during gametogenesis? a. Mitosis b. Meiosis c. Fertilization d. Cleavage

C 81. In spermatogenesis, how many functional sperm cells are produced from one
spermatogonium? a. One b. Two c. Four d. Eight

C 82. During oogenesis, what is the fate of the polar bodies produced during meiosis?
a. They fuse with sperm during fertilization. b. They contribute to the formation of the
embryo. c. They are expelled from the body during menstruation. d. They degenerate
and are typically not involved in fertilization.

B 83. Define sex determination. a. The process of determining an individual's gender

identity b. The genetic and biological mechanisms that establish an individual's sex c.
The choice of reproductive strategy in organisms d. The development of secondary
sexual characteristics

B 84. What is the role of the Y chromosome in sex determination in humans? a. It carries
genes that determine female traits. b. It determines the presence of male traits. c. It is
irrelevant to sex determination. d. It initiates ovulation.

B 85. In mammals, including humans, which sex chromosome combination results in a

male individual? a. XX b. XY c. X0 d. ZZ

A 86. What is the process known as when an organism possesses both male and female
reproductive structures? a. Hermaphroditism b. Androgenesis c. Parthenogenesis d.
Asexual reproduction

B 87. In the absence of a Y chromosome, what is the default sex determination

pathway in mammals? a. Male b. Female c. Hermaphroditic d. Non-binary

C 88. Identify the term for the phenomenon where environmental factors influence the
sex of an organism. a. Genetic sex determination b. Hormonal sex determination c.
Environmental sex determination d. Random sex determination

B 89.Define early development in the context of embryology. a. The process of organ

formation b. The initial stage of development from fertilization to implantation c. The
period of organ differentiation d. The final stages of fetal development

C 90.What is the first stage of early development following fertilization? a. Gastrulation

b. Implantation c. Cleavage d. Blastulation

B 91.During early development, what is a blastomere? a. The zygote after fertilization b.

A cell formed during cleavage c. A specialized cell type d. A cell in the blastocyst

A 92.Identify the significance of the morula stage in early development. a. It marks the
beginning of implantation. b. It is the stage just before fertilization. c. It is the first stage of
gastrulation. d. It represents a solid mass of cells.

B 93.What is the term for the hollow ball of cells that forms during early development?
a. Blastomere b. Blastula c. Morula d. Gastrula

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal
 B 94.What are the main events that occur during the embryonic period of early
development? a. Organ differentiation and growth b. Fertilization and cleavage c.
Implantation and gastrulation d. Blastulation and morula formation

A 95.Why is the process of early development considered critical for the later stages of
embryonic development? a. It establishes the basic body plan. b. It determines the
genetic makeup of the organism. c. It marks the onset of organogenesis. d. It triggers
the formation of the neural tube.

A 96.Define blastulation. a. The formation of the blastocyst b. The differentiation of

germ layers c. The process of organ development d. The fusion of egg and sperm

C 97. What is the blastocyst, and what is its significance in early development? a. A
fluid-filled cavity surrounded by cells; it marks the beginning of gastrulation. b. A solid
mass of cells; it is the precursor to the morula. c. The first stage of cleavage; it precedes
blastomere formation. d. The final stage of embryonic development; it precedes
implantation.

B 98. During blastulation, what is the fate of the inner cell mass in the blastocyst? a. It
gives rise to the trophoblast. b. It forms the embryonic disc. c. It becomes the amniotic
cavity. d. It develops into the yolk sac.

B 99.What is the purpose of the zona pellucida during blastulation? a. To initiate the
acrosome reaction b. To protect the developing embryo c. To facilitate sperm
penetration d. To support blastocyst formation

D 100. Identify the role of blastulation in the overall process of embryonic development.
a. Formation of the neural tube b. Initiation of organ differentiation c. Establishment of
the body axes d. Creation of the germ layers

B 101. What is the term for the outer layer of cells in the blastocyst, which later
contributes to placental development? a. Inner cell mass b. Trophoblast c. Blastomere
d. Endoderm

D 102. How does the blastocyst facilitate implantation in the uterus? a. By releasing
digestive enzymes b. By initiating the acrosome reaction c. By secreting hormones d. By
forming projections for attachment

END OF TEST

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13
______________________________________________________________________________

Name: PEÑAREDONDO, MA. MAY A. Score: _________/100

Midterm Exam: Dev Bio (Sem 1: 2023-2024)

Assoc. Prof. Ruthela P. Payawal