Genetics

Question 1

Inherited characteristics

Answer 1

Many physical characteristics such as eye colour and shape of ears were inherited from your parents. The instructions for these inherited characteristics were carried in the two cells that made you the egg and sperm

Question 2

Chromosomes and genes

Answer 2

The nucleus of each sex cell (gamete) contains 23 thread like structures called

Question 3

Chromosomes

Answer 3

Chromosomes are made of protein + DNA

These chromosomes carry genes

Question 4

Genes

Answer 4

are chemicals found on chromosomes that pass on information from parents to children

Question 5

DNA

Answer 5

Deoxyribonucleic acid

Question 6

A species

Answer 6

is a group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring. (Liger = sterile offspring of a male lion and a female tiger) (A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse)

Question 7

Heredity

Answer 7

is the handing down of certain traits from parents to offspring through genes e.g. length of nose

Question 8

Variation

Answer 8

means the differences in characteristics between members of the same species. Variations can be acquired (‘picked up’ during the life of the organism) e.g. riding a bicycle or inherited (genetic – can be passed on to next generation) e.g. tongue rolling.