DSSSB October 2024
Pathology & Genetics
Easy
Which one of the following terms describes the complete set of genetic material in a cell's chromosomes?
Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024
Explanation
- The term 'genome' refers to the complete set of genetic instructions for an organism, contained within its DNA.
- This includes all the genes (coding regions) and non-coding DNA, organized into chromosomes.
- Genomics, the study of the genome, is fundamental to understanding development, function, and disease.
- The human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs, which represent the entire genetic blueprint.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: A nucleotide is the single basic building block (monomer) of DNA and RNA, not the complete set of genetic material.
- Option B: Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins (histones) that packages the DNA into a compact structure. It refers to the packaging material, not the entire set of genetic information itself.
- Option D: A ribosome is a cellular organelle that functions as the site of protein synthesis (translation). It is not part of the genetic material.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Genome and Related Genetic Terms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Understanding genomics is essential for the field of personalized medicine, where treatments and therapies are tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
- Knowledge of the genome is critical in genetic counseling to assess the risk of inherited diseases and provide guidance to families.
- Genomic testing is used in oncology to identify specific mutations in cancer cells, which helps in selecting targeted therapies for more effective treatment.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'complete set of genetic material'. This is the core definition you need to match.
- Analyze each option by recalling its specific definition in molecular biology.
- Evaluate 'Nucleotide': This is a single unit, so it cannot be the 'complete set'. Eliminate it.
- Evaluate 'Chromatin': This is the packaging material (DNA + protein), not the informational content itself. Eliminate it.
- Evaluate 'Genome': This term is defined as the entire genetic content of an organism. This directly matches the question's key phrase.
- Evaluate 'Ribosome': This is a functional organelle for protein synthesis, separate from the genetic material. Eliminate it.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Definition of Genome and Related Genetic Terms
- Stem keywords: complete set, genetic material, cell's chromosomes
- Lead-in keywords: describes
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QzM8sj9Uo8vnxyWLEfETBB
Reference Book
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 884-886, 888-890
E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1682-1684
Practise the full DSSSB October 2024
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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