heredity (genetics) 4.1

Question 1

heredity definition?

Answer 1

the passing of traits from parents to offspring

Question 2

genetics definition?

Answer 2

branch of biology dealing with heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics

Question 3

chromosomes definition

3 main points!

Answer 3

• structures inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carry genetic information for traits.

made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and proteins.

Different species differ in their number, shape, & size.

Question 4

what are eukaryotic cells?

Answer 4

• organisms that have membrane-bounded organelles with a nucleus
• usually multicelluar

Question 5

gene defintion?

Answer 5

segment of a DNA molecule that codes for a particular trait; found at a specific location on a chromosome

Question 6

locus defintion?

Answer 6

location of a gene on a chromosome

Question 7

what is a diploid cell?

Answer 7

have two sets of chromosomes (2n) - .e.g body cells

Question 8

what is a haploid cell?

Answer 8

cells have half the normal number of chromosomes -e.g. sex cells sperms and egg

Question 9

what is a polypoid cell?

Answer 9

3 or more sets of chromosomes

Question 10

which organelles contain genetic information?

Answer 10

• the nucleus (which is known)
• mitochondria (small amounts)
• chloroplast (small amounts)

Question 11

what are the two types of reproduction?

Answer 11

-sexual and asexual

Question 12

what is asexual reproduction? (4 points)

Answer 12

-Single parent required

-New individual produced by cell division
chromosomes of parents are duplicated and divided. (MITOSIS)

No genetic diversity

Daughter cells genetically identical to parent

Question 13

what is sexual reproduction? (4)

Answer 13

Production of offspring from the fusion of two sex cells (two different parents - usually)

Offspring are genetically different from their parents and from each other

Obtain half the genetic info from each of their parents

Offspring - genetically variable (not the same)

Question 14

advantages of asexual reproduction? (3)

Answer 14

Only one parent needed, no need of a mate. (saves energy)

no specialized reproductive anatomy needed. (no penis, no pussy)

direct reproduction - heredity is invariable and generations of offspring are identical to parents
(genetically identical, therefore if your a super fast horse, you can only make super fast horses)

Question 15

disadvantages of asexual reproduction? (3)

Answer 15

All individuals are equally susceptible to:
many diseases, can be wiped out easily

may take more time to adapt in new environment (volcano, climate change, evolution of new species)

losing competitions for resources with other species

Question 16

advantages of sexual reproduction? (2)

Answer 16

Disease and environmental changes (better adapted to change)

Less competition for resources with other species

Question 17

disadvantages of sexual reproduction? (5)

Answer 17

Energy invested to find and attract a mate

Mating calls/being brightly coloured - attracts predator

Special reproductive anatomy required

Plants require pollinators, nectar to attract them

New gene combination may not be advantageous (weak and unable to survive)

Question 18

what is genetic complexity?

Answer 18

the larger the animal the more complex it is, while the number of chromosomes also play a part

comparing the complexities of a human vs a banana