Genetics

Question 1

What is genetic variation?

Answer 1

Genetic variation is the difference in DNA sequences between individuals within a population. Variation occurs in germ cells i.e. sperm and egg, and also in somatic (all other) cells.

Question 2

What is DNA?

Answer 2

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA.

Question 3

What are genes?

Answer 3

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building one or more molecules that help the body work.

Question 4

What are chromosomes?

Answer 4

Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells.

Question 5

What is the chromosomes function?

Answer 5

The main function of chromosomes is to carry the DNA and transfer the genetic information from parents to offspring.

Question 6

What are alleles?

Answer 6

Alleles are matching genes, one from our biological mother, one from our biological father.

Question 7

How do we use and make punnett squares?

Answer 7

1)Determine the parental genotypes. You can use any letter you like but select one that has a clearly different lower case, for example: Aa, Bb, Dd.

2)Split the alleles for each parent and add them into your Punnett square around the edges.

3)Work out the new possible genetic combinations inside the Punnett square.

Question 8

What are some examples of genetic disorders?

Answer 8

Down Syndrome.
Thalassemia.
Cystic Fibrosis.
Tay-Sachs disease.
Sickle Cell Anemia.