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

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Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

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What is the primary role of chromosomal DNA in a bacterial cell?

It assists in cellular respiration
It encodes proteins only
It controls cell activities and replication
It stores nutrients

The correct answer is: It controls cell activities and replication

Chromosomal DNA in a bacterial cell plays a crucial role in controlling cell activities and ensuring proper replication. This genetic material contains the information needed to produce proteins, which are vital for various cellular functions. By regulating the synthesis of these proteins, the chromosomal DNA governs the overall metabolic activities, growth, and response to environmental changes within the cell. Additionally, during cell division, chromosomal DNA is replicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives an accurate copy of the genome, maintaining genetic continuity across generations. The other options do not capture the primary function of chromosomal DNA. While proteins are involved in cellular respiration, the DNA itself does not directly assist in that process. It is also not accurate to say it encodes proteins only, as its role extends beyond this to include the regulation of various cellular processes. Lastly, although bacterial cells may store certain nutrients, this is not the function of chromosomal DNA; nutrient storage typically involves other cellular components, not the DNA itself.