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Biology > Inheritance > Flashcards

Inheritance Flashcards

1
Q

What is inheritance in biology?

A

Inheritance is the process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.

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2
Q

Define allele.

A

An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.

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3
Q

True or False: Homozygous individuals have two different alleles for a trait.

A

False

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4
Q

What is the genotype of an organism?

A

The genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by its alleles.

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5
Q

What does phenotype refer to?

A

Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: The physical expression of a trait is known as its __________.

A

phenotype

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7
Q

What is Mendel’s Law of Segregation?

A

Mendel’s Law of Segregation states that during the formation of gametes, the two alleles for a trait separate from each other.

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8
Q

What is a Punnett square used for?

A

A Punnett square is used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.

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9
Q

True or False: A dominant allele will always mask the effect of a recessive allele.

A

True

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10
Q

What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive allele?

A

A dominant allele expresses its trait even in the presence of a recessive allele, while a recessive allele only expresses its trait when two copies are present.

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11
Q

What is codominance?

A

Codominance occurs when both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: The genetic constitution of an organism is called its __________.

A

genotype

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13
Q

What is the role of a test cross?

A

A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.

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14
Q

What is the expected phenotypic ratio in a monohybrid cross?

A

The expected phenotypic ratio in a monohybrid cross is 3:1.

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15
Q

What does it mean if an organism is heterozygous?

A

An organism is heterozygous if it has two different alleles for a particular gene.

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16
Q

True or False: Sex-linked traits are only found on the X chromosome.

A

False

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17
Q

What is the purpose of genetic screening?

A

Genetic screening is used to identify individuals at risk for genetic disorders or to detect the presence of specific genetic traits.

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18
Q

What is polygenic inheritance?

A

Polygenic inheritance is a type of inheritance where multiple genes influence a single trait.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: Traits controlled by multiple genes are known as __________ traits.

A

polygenic

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20
Q

What is the significance of the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

A

The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical model for studying genetic variation in a population under certain conditions.

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21
Q

What are the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

A

The conditions include a large population size, no mutations, no migration, random mating, and no natural selection.

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22
Q

True or False: The environment can influence the expression of traits.

A

True

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23
Q

What is an example of a sex-linked trait?

A

Hemophilia is an example of a sex-linked trait.

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24
Q

What is the difference between autosomal and sex-linked inheritance?

A

Autosomal inheritance involves genes located on non-sex chromosomes, while sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on sex chromosomes.

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25
Q

Fill in the blank: Incomplete dominance results in a __________ phenotype.

A

blended

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26
Q

What is a carrier in genetics?

A

A carrier is an individual who has one copy of a recessive allele for a trait but does not express the trait.

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27
Q

What is the function of a genetic map?

A

A genetic map shows the relative positions of genes on a chromosome.

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28
Q

True or False: Linked genes are inherited independently of each other.

A

False

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29
Q

What is epistasis?

A

Epistasis is the interaction between genes where the presence of one gene can mask or alter the expression of another gene.

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30
Q

What is a phenotype ratio in a dihybrid cross?

A

The expected phenotype ratio in a dihybrid cross is 9:3:3:1.

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31
Q

What are mutations?

A

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits or diseases.

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32
Q

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

A

gene

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33
Q

What is the role of DNA in inheritance?

A

DNA carries the genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring.

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34
Q

What is the term for the observable traits of an organism?

A

Phenotype

35
Q

What is a locus?

A

A locus is the specific location of a gene on a chromosome.

36
Q

True or False: All mutations are harmful.

A

False

37
Q

What is a homologous chromosome?

A

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and gene sequence, one from each parent.

38
Q

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the physical structure that carries genes.

A

chromosome

39
Q

What is gene therapy?

A

Gene therapy is a technique that modifies genes to treat or prevent disease.

40
Q

What is a karyotype?

A

A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual’s chromosomes, organized by size and shape.

41
Q

What is the significance of genetic diversity?

A

Genetic diversity is important for the survival and adaptability of a population.

42
Q

Fill in the blank: The __________ theory explains how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

A

chromosomal

43
Q

What is a pedigree chart?

A

A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait in several generations of a family.

44
Q

What is the role of RNA in inheritance?

A

RNA plays a key role in translating genetic information from DNA into proteins.

45
Q

True or False: All genes are expressed at the same time in an organism.

A

False

46
Q

What is the purpose of cloning?

A

Cloning is used to create genetically identical copies of organisms or cells.

47
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which DNA is copied before cell division.

A

Replication

48
Q

What is the function of ribosomes?

A

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs.

49
Q

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

A

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable traits.

50
Q

True or False: Genetic drift can lead to changes in allele frequencies in a population.

A

True

51
Q

What are recombinant DNA technologies?

A

Recombinant DNA technologies involve combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations.

52
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ inheritance involves traits that are influenced by multiple genes.

A

Polygenic

53
Q

What is the significance of the SRY gene?

A

The SRY gene is crucial for the development of male characteristics in mammals.

54
Q

What is the main function of the Y chromosome?

A

The Y chromosome determines male sex characteristics.

55
Q

True or False: All traits are determined solely by genetics.

A

False

56
Q

What is a genetic disorder?

A

A genetic disorder is a disease or condition caused by an abnormality in an individual’s DNA.

57
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which traits are selected for or against in a population.

A

Natural selection

58
Q

What is the role of the environment in genetic expression?

A

The environment can influence the expression of genes, affecting phenotype.

59
Q

What is the difference between continuous and discontinuous variation?

A

Continuous variation is a range of phenotypes, while discontinuous variation consists of distinct categories.

60
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ traits show a range of phenotypes and are typically influenced by multiple genes.

A

Quantitative

61
Q

What is the role of chromosomes during cell division?

A

Chromosomes ensure that genetic information is accurately replicated and distributed during cell division.

62
Q

True or False: A single gene can determine multiple traits.

A

True

63
Q

What is the significance of genetic engineering?

A

Genetic engineering allows for the manipulation of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.

64
Q

What is an example of a genetically modified organism?

A

Bt corn is an example of a genetically modified organism.

65
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of selecting organisms with desirable traits for breeding.

A

Selective breeding

66
Q

What is the function of telomeres?

A

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration.

67
Q

True or False: Genetic mutations can be caused by environmental factors.

A

True

68
Q

What is the purpose of DNA sequencing?

A

DNA sequencing is used to determine the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

69
Q

What is the role of transcription in gene expression?

A

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

70
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ are the building blocks of proteins.

A

Amino acids

71
Q

What is the significance of the human genome project?

A

The Human Genome Project aimed to map and understand all the genes of the human species.

72
Q

True or False: Genetic information is stored in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA.

A

True

73
Q

What is the role of plasmids in genetic engineering?

A

Plasmids are used as vectors to transfer genetic material into cells.

74
Q

What is the difference between somatic and germline mutations?

A

Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells, while germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and can be passed to offspring.

75
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which RNA is translated into protein.

A

Translation

76
Q

What is the purpose of a genetic cross?

A

A genetic cross is performed to study inheritance patterns and predict offspring traits.

77
Q

True or False: All organisms have the same number of chromosomes.

A

False

78
Q

What is the role of the ribosome in protein synthesis?

A

Ribosomes facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

79
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ are segments of DNA that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression.

A

Introns

80
Q

What is the significance of gene expression regulation?

A

Regulating gene expression allows cells to respond to environmental changes and maintain homeostasis.

81
Q

What is a transgenic organism?

A

A transgenic organism is one that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species.

82
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is a method used to amplify DNA sequences.

A

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

83
Q

What is the main purpose of genetic counseling?

A

Genetic counseling provides information and support to individuals at risk for genetic disorders.

Biology (28 decks)

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