Inheritance

Question 1

What is inheritance?

Answer 1

The process through which traits are passed from parents to offspring via genes.

Question 2

Define gene and allele.

Answer 2

Gene: A DNA sequence that contains instructions for synthesizing proteins and controlling traits.
Allele: Variations of the same gene, such as blue or brown eye color.

Question 3

What are homologous chromosomes?

Answer 3

Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that carry alleles for specific traits.

Question 4

Differentiate between genotype and phenotype.

Answer 4

Genotype: The genetic makeup (e.g., BB, Bb, bb).
Phenotype: Observable traits (e.g., blue eyes, tall height).

Question 5

What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes?

Answer 5

Homozygous: Two identical alleles (e.g., BB, bb).
Heterozygous: Two different alleles (e.g., Bb).

Question 6

Define dominant and recessive alleles.

Answer 6

Dominant Allele: Expressed even if only one copy is present (e.g., B for brown eyes).
Recessive Allele: Expressed only when no dominant allele is present (e.g., b for blue eyes).

Question 7

What is monohybrid inheritance?

Answer 7

Inheritance of a single characteristic controlled by one gene with two alleles.

Question 8

How does a Punnett square help in predicting inheritance?

Answer 8

It predicts the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring by crossing parental alleles.

Question 9

What is codominance? Provide an example.

Answer 9

When both alleles are equally expressed in a heterozygous organism. Example: Blood type AB (IAIB).

Question 10

What are multiple alleles? Give an example.

Answer 10

Traits controlled by more than two alleles. Example: ABO blood group (IA, IB, IO).