OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What does the "one gene one protein" theory state?

1. Each gene can produce multiple proteins

2. Each gene controls the manufacture of one type of protein

3. Genes do not control protein production directly

4. Genes are irrelevant to protein synthesis

The correct answer is: Each gene controls the manufacture of one type of protein

The "one gene one protein" theory posits that each gene in an organism's DNA corresponds to the production of a specific type of protein. This concept highlights the role of genes as the fundamental units of heredity that provide the instructions needed for synthesizing proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions and processes. The theory suggests that each gene contains the information to produce one particular protein, thus establishing a direct relationship between the genetic code and protein production. This understanding is foundational to molecular biology and genetics, as it emphasizes the importance of genes in determining the structure and function of proteins. Proteins are crucial for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and the "one gene one protein" theory serves to illustrate how genes dictate these biological processes.