(Chapter 1.2) Genetics and biotech: Genetic Inheritance

Question 1

Who is Gregor Mendel

Answer 1

An Austrian monk credited with discovering the fundamental laws of inheritance and the title of father of modern genetics

Question 2

How did Gregor Mendel discover the fundamental laws of inheritance?

Answer 2

He experimented with true-breeding lines to understand the likelihood of different traits

Question 3

True or False: Genes are inside cells and they control characteristics

Answer 3

True

Question 4

True or False: 2 copies of each gene are present in gametes and both parents contribute a copy

Answer 4

False. Genes are present in all cells

Question 5

True or False: Each gene is separate from the other prior to fertilisation and recombines at fertilisation; but, the factors do not blend

Answer 5

False. Chromosomes separate and recombine

Question 6

True or False: The genes that control different characters are passed on to the offspring independently

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Outline the Law of Segregation

Answer 7

The law states there are 2 copies of every gene in all sexually reproducing organisms that control each
characteristic, and the same genes are grouped together on homologous pairs of chromosomes.
During meiosis, these homologous
chromosomes segregate, with 1 copy of each chromosome and all the genes appearing in every gamete then these chromosomes recombine at fertilisation; however, they do not blend, but instead match together to form homologous pairs again

Question 8

Outline the Law of Independent Assortment

Answer 8

The law states when chromosomes segregate in cell division, the side each chromatid is pulled to is random and that the alleles a gamete receives has no impact on the other alleles a gamete receives

Question 9

Define genotype

Answer 9

A combination of alleles

Question 10

Define allele

Answer 10

A variation of a gene that is inherited and is a singular letter in a genotype

Question 11

Define phenotype

Answer 11

The physical characteristcs of an offspring, determined by the genotype

Question 12

What is the formal term for true-breeding

Answer 12

Homozygous

Question 13

Define homozygous

Answer 13

A genotype where both alleles are the same

Question 14

Identify the terms classifed under homozygous

Answer 14

Homozygous dominant and homozygous recessive

Question 15

Define homozygous dominant

Answer 15

A genotype where both alleles are the dominant allele

Question 16

Define homozygous recessive

Answer 16

A genotype where both alleles are the recessive allele

Question 17

Define heterozygous

Answer 17

A genotype where 1 allele is the dominant and the other is recessive

Question 18

What is the formal term for the 23rd chromosomes?

Answer 18

Sex chromosomes

Question 19

Define autosomal chromosomes

Answer 19

Chromosomes that have no impact on the gender of the offspring

Question 20

Define monohybrid cross

Answer 20

A cross of a singular trait between the 2 parents

Question 21

Define Punnet Square

Answer 21

A square diagram used to predict the genotypes of a particular cross or breeding experiment

Question 22

Define test cross

Answer 22

A genetic cross between a homozygous recessive individual and a corresponding suspected heterozygous to determine the genotype of the latter

Question 23

True or False: Genetics is the only thing that impacts the phenotype

Answer 23

False. Environmental factors also impact the phenotype

Question 24

Do environmental factors impact the genotype?

Answer 24

No

Question 25

True or False: The Y chromosome is one of the longest chromosome while the X chromosome is one of the shortest chromosome

Answer 25

False. The X chromosome is one of the longest while the Y chromosome is one of the shortest

Question 26

Define carrier

Answer 26

A carrier is an individual who does not have the phenotype for the trait but can pass it on to their offspring. In more simple terms, carriers are heterozygous for a recessive disorder

Question 27

Given that an offspring is female, whose sex chromosomes does she inherit

Answer 27

She inherits either of her X chromosomes from either parent

Question 28

Given that an offspring is male, whose sex chromosomes does he inherit

Answer 28

He inherits his Y chromosome from his father and his X chromosome from his mother

Question 29

Define pedigree

Answer 29

A diagram that shows the occurrence of phenotypes of a particular gene throughout generations

Question 30

True or False: On a pedigree, males are depicted by circles and females by squares

Answer 30

False. Males are depicted by squares and females by circles

Question 31

On a pedigree, what shape represents individuals with unknown sexes?

Answer 31

Triangle