The Structure of DNA and Genetic Inheritance - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section evaluates your capability to comprehend spoken English in an academic setting, especially through lectures. It includes various listening passages covering topics like literature, science, and social studies, followed by multiple-choice questions to assess your understanding. Each lecture is designed to replicate authentic classroom experiences, allowing you to engage with intricate ideas and themes.
To aid your preparation, we have developed a listening practice set centered on "The Structure of DNA and Genetic Inheritance." Practicing with this material will enhance your skills in identifying main concepts, supporting details, and the connections between ideas—abilities essential for excelling in the TOEFL Listening section. Are you ready to improve your listening skills and enrich your literary knowledge? Let’s begin!

Listening Instructions

• You can listen to each conversation and lecture only once.
• You have approximately 8 minutes to listen to the conversation/lecture and respond to the questions.
• Each question generally carries one point unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which will explicitly state the assigned points for specific questions.
• After listening to the Conversation, respond to questions related to the topic based on explicit or implicit statements made by the speakers.
• Feel free to make notes as you listen. You can refer to your notes to aid in answering the questions. 
• We recommend practicing note-taking with a pen and paper, similar to what you'll do during the TOEFL Exam.

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main topic of the lecture?  
   
   1. The role of proteins in genetics
   2. The structure of DNA and its role in genetic inheritance
   3. The history of genetic research
   4. The process of reproduction in living organisms 

1. According to the professor, what are the components of a nucleotide?  
   
   1. A phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base
   2. A sugar molecule, a protein, and a lipid
   3. A nitrogenous base, a carbohydrate, and a mineral
   4. A phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and an amino acid

1. What does the professor mean when he says, "This process ultimately shapes the characteristics of living organisms across generations"?
   
   1. DNA replication is a simple process. 
   2. Genetic inheritance determines the traits of organisms.  
   3. Organisms do not change over generations.
   4. The structure of DNA is irrelevant to inheritance.

1. What is the professor's attitude towards the complexity of DNA?
   
   1. Dismissive 
   2. Appreciative  
   3. Confused  
   4. Indifferent  

1. What can be inferred about the significance of DNA in living organisms?**
   
   1. DNA is only important for plants.
   2. DNA is only important for plants.
   3. DNA plays a crucial role in determining traits and inheritance.   
   4. The structure of DNA is irrelevant to genetic inheritance 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on The Structure of DNA and Genetic Inheritance

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on The Structure of DNA and Genetic Inheritance 

1. Answer: B. The structure of DNA and its role in genetic inheritance.

Explanation: The lecture primarily focuses on the structure of DNA and its critical function in genetic inheritance. It discusses how DNA serves as the hereditary material in all living organisms and explains the significance of its double helix structure in transmitting genetic information across generations.

2. Answer: A. A phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base.

Explanation: The passage clearly outlines that a nucleotide, the fundamental unit of DNA, consists of three components: a phosphate group, a sugar molecule, and a nitrogenous base. This definition is essential for understanding the building blocks of DNA and how they contribute to its overall structure.

3. Answer: B. Genetic inheritance determines the traits of organisms.

Explanation: The statement refers to the role of genetic inheritance in determining the traits of living organisms. By highlighting that DNA is replicated and passed on to offspring, the professor emphasises how genetic information influences the characteristics that are observed in future generations.

4. Answer: B. Appreciative.

Explanation: The professor expresses an appreciative attitude towards the complexity of DNA, noting its remarkable structure and vital role in genetic inheritance. This appreciation is evident in the way he describes the intricate details of DNA's double helix and its significance in shaping the traits of living organisms.

5. Answer: A. To highlight the discovery of DNA's structure.

Explanation: The mention of James Watson and Francis Crick serves to underscore their pivotal role in elucidating the structure of DNA in 1953. By referencing their discovery, the professor provides context for understanding the significance of the double helix in the study of genetics.

6. Answer: C. DNA plays a crucial role in determining traits and inheritance

Explanation: The passage implies that DNA is fundamental to the characteristics and inheritance of traits in all living organisms. By discussing how genes, which are segments of DNA, dictate various traits, the professor highlights the essential role that DNA plays in the biological processes of life.

Want to continue with the TOEFL Listening preparation? We've created different practice tests that mimic the actual exam format to boost your confidence and self-assurance, especially on the test day.

So, let's take a step forward and check out a few more practice tests to level up your listening skills!

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