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

Visual explanation — 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.