Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Describe the process of transcription in bacteria. Explain the roles of the promoter, RNA polymerase and the terminator. Why is the process referred to as forming a transcription unit?

List any four salient features of the genetic code.

Describe the Meselson and Stahl experiment. How did it prove that DNA replication is semiconservative?

Explain how the negatively charged DNA is packaged in a nucleosome. What is the role of histones and non-histone chromosomal proteins in forming chromatin?

Explain the regulation of the lac operon in E. coli in the presence and absence of lactose.

Describe the process of translation in a cell. Explain the roles of ribosomes, tRNA and the start and stop codons in polypeptide synthesis.

Describe the Hershey and Chase experiment. What did it conclusively prove about the genetic material?

What is DNA fingerprinting? State any two of its applications.

State the aims of the Human Genome Project. List any three salient observations that emerged from it.

State the central dogma of molecular biology as proposed by Francis Crick.

How many marks is Molecular Basis of Inheritance worth in the Class 12 board exam?

Around 10 marks of the 70-mark CBSE Biology theory paper, based on the official unit-wise weightage. DNA replication, transcription, lac operon — highest-yield chapter.

Is Molecular Basis of Inheritance easy or hard?

It's rated hard — one of the tougher chapters in Class 12 Biology. Most students need about 6 hours to cover it well.

What should I focus on in Molecular Basis of Inheritance?

Going by the board papers themselves, the recurring areas are Transcription, Genetic Code, DNA Replication, DNA Packaging, Lac Operon — that's where the marks actually sit.

What questions come from Molecular Basis of Inheritance in board exams?

Between 2018–2024, CBSE board papers asked questions from this chapter on Transcription, Genetic Code, DNA Replication, DNA Packaging — 1- to 5-mark questions.