Genetics

Question 1

What is genetics?

Answer 1

The study of hereditary/inheritance.

Question 2

What is DNA?

Answer 2

DNA contains the genetic code for all living organisms.

Question 3

What are genes?

Answer 3

A segment of DNA that determines an individual’s specific characteristic traits.

Question 4

What are alleles?

Answer 4

Specific genes located on a specific locus.

Question 5

What is a locus?

Answer 5

A location where specific alleles are located.

Question 6

What is homozygous?

Answer 6

Inheritance of 2 identical alleles on a single homologous pair of chromosomes.

Question 7

What is heterozygous?

Answer 7

Inheritance of 2 different alleles on a single homologous pair of chromosomes.

Question 8

What is genotype?

Answer 8

Expression of both genes inherited from each parent.

Question 9

What is phenotype?

Answer 9

Observed/Physical expression of genes.

Question 10

What is dominance?

Answer 10

Expression of one allele over another.

Question 11

What is mitosis?

Answer 11

• Cell division whereby one cell divides once to form two identical daughter cells.
• Diploid: 2n
• Somatic cells/Body cells

Question 12

What is recessive?

Answer 12

When an allele is not expressed when inherited in combination with another one that is expressed.

Question 13

What is cis?

Answer 13

2 or more genes on the same chromosome of a homologous pair.

Question 14

What is trans?

Answer 14

Alleles found on different chromosomes of a homologous pair.

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of crossing-over?

Answer 15

-Increase chances of a mutation to occur

Question 16

Explain the law of Segregation

Answer 16

2 Inherited alleles coding for the same trait will separate during gamete formation.

Question 17

Explain the law of Independent Assortment

Answer 17

Genes for different characteristics are sorted separately so that inheritance of one does not depend on the inheritance of another.

Question 18

Explain the law of Dominance

Answer 18

An organism with alternate forms of a gene will express the form that is dominant.

Question 19

List the Mendelian laws?

Answer 19

• Law of Segregation
• Law of Independent Assortment
• Law of Dominance

Question 20

What is co-dominance?

Answer 20

2 or more inherited genes that are expressed equally.

Question 21

What does polymorphism refer to?

Answer 21

Expression of more than one phenotype.

Question 22

Where are inherited genes located?

Answer 22

On chromosomes, found within the nuclei of cells.

Question 23

How does DNA translate to characteristics?

Answer 23

Transcription and translation.

Question 24

What is crossing over?

Answer 24

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosome pairs to increase genetic diversity.

Question 25

What are the advantages of crossing over?

Answer 25

• Genetic diversity

- Recombinant chromosomes

Question 26

What is a mutation?

Answer 26

Altercations or adjustments to the genetic material that can lead to serious defects in the organism. This results due to:

• DNA replication errors
• Exposure to mutagens
• Exposure to chemical radiation
• Infection with viruses

Question 27

What are the advantages of mutations?

Answer 27

• Genetic variation/diversity

- Occurs in exposure to environmental factors

Question 28

What are the disadvantages of mutations?

Answer 28

-Physical/Mental defects that can be passed on to offspring

Question 29

What is genetic linkage?

Answer 29

Inheritance of one gene with another unrelated gene