Inheritance Flashcards
What is inheritance in biology?
Inheritance is the process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.
Define allele.
An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.
True or False: Homozygous individuals have two different alleles for a trait.
False
What is the genotype of an organism?
The genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by its alleles.
What does phenotype refer to?
Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism.
Fill in the blank: The physical expression of a trait is known as its __________.
phenotype
What is Mendel’s Law of Segregation?
Mendel’s Law of Segregation states that during the formation of gametes, the two alleles for a trait separate from each other.
What is a Punnett square used for?
A Punnett square is used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.
True or False: A dominant allele will always mask the effect of a recessive allele.
True
What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive allele?
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.
What is codominance?
Codominance occurs when both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive.
Fill in the blank: The genetic constitution of an organism is called its __________.
genotype
What is the role of a test cross?
A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.
What is the expected phenotypic ratio in a monohybrid cross?
The expected phenotypic ratio in a monohybrid cross is 3:1.
What does it mean if an organism is heterozygous?
An organism is heterozygous if it has two different alleles for a particular gene.
True or False: Sex-linked traits are only found on the X chromosome.
False
What is the purpose of genetic screening?
Genetic screening is used to identify individuals at risk for genetic disorders or to detect the presence of specific genetic traits.
What is polygenic inheritance?
Polygenic inheritance is a type of inheritance where multiple genes influence a single trait.
Fill in the blank: Traits controlled by multiple genes are known as __________ traits.
polygenic
What is the significance of the Hardy-Weinberg principle?
The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical model for studying genetic variation in a population under certain conditions.
What are the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
The conditions include a large population size, no mutations, no migration, random mating, and no natural selection.
True or False: The environment can influence the expression of traits.
True
What is an example of a sex-linked trait?
Hemophilia is an example of a sex-linked trait.
What is the difference between autosomal and sex-linked inheritance?
Autosomal inheritance involves genes located on non-sex chromosomes, while sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on sex chromosomes.
Fill in the blank: Incomplete dominance results in a __________ phenotype.
blended
What is a carrier in genetics?
A carrier is an individual who has one copy of a recessive allele for a trait but does not express the trait.
What is the function of a genetic map?
A genetic map shows the relative positions of genes on a chromosome.
True or False: Linked genes are inherited independently of each other.
False
What is epistasis?
Epistasis is the interaction between genes where the presence of one gene can mask or alter the expression of another gene.
What is a phenotype ratio in a dihybrid cross?
The expected phenotype ratio in a dihybrid cross is 9:3:3:1.
What are mutations?
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits or diseases.
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
gene
What is the role of DNA in inheritance?
DNA carries the genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring.
What is the term for the observable traits of an organism?
Phenotype
What is a locus?
A locus is the specific location of a gene on a chromosome.
True or False: All mutations are harmful.
False
What is a homologous chromosome?
Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and gene sequence, one from each parent.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the physical structure that carries genes.
chromosome
What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy is a technique that modifies genes to treat or prevent disease.
What is a karyotype?
A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual’s chromosomes, organized by size and shape.
What is the significance of genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity is important for the survival and adaptability of a population.
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory explains how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
chromosomal
What is a pedigree chart?
A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait in several generations of a family.
What is the role of RNA in inheritance?
RNA plays a key role in translating genetic information from DNA into proteins.
True or False: All genes are expressed at the same time in an organism.
False
What is the purpose of cloning?
Cloning is used to create genetically identical copies of organisms or cells.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which DNA is copied before cell division.
Replication
What is the function of ribosomes?
Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable traits.
True or False: Genetic drift can lead to changes in allele frequencies in a population.
True
What are recombinant DNA technologies?
Recombinant DNA technologies involve combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations.
Fill in the blank: __________ inheritance involves traits that are influenced by multiple genes.
Polygenic
What is the significance of the SRY gene?
The SRY gene is crucial for the development of male characteristics in mammals.
What is the main function of the Y chromosome?
The Y chromosome determines male sex characteristics.
True or False: All traits are determined solely by genetics.
False
What is a genetic disorder?
A genetic disorder is a disease or condition caused by an abnormality in an individual’s DNA.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which traits are selected for or against in a population.
Natural selection
What is the role of the environment in genetic expression?
The environment can influence the expression of genes, affecting phenotype.
What is the difference between continuous and discontinuous variation?
Continuous variation is a range of phenotypes, while discontinuous variation consists of distinct categories.
Fill in the blank: __________ traits show a range of phenotypes and are typically influenced by multiple genes.
Quantitative
What is the role of chromosomes during cell division?
Chromosomes ensure that genetic information is accurately replicated and distributed during cell division.
True or False: A single gene can determine multiple traits.
True
What is the significance of genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering allows for the manipulation of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.
What is an example of a genetically modified organism?
Bt corn is an example of a genetically modified organism.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of selecting organisms with desirable traits for breeding.
Selective breeding
What is the function of telomeres?
Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration.
True or False: Genetic mutations can be caused by environmental factors.
True
What is the purpose of DNA sequencing?
DNA sequencing is used to determine the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.
What is the role of transcription in gene expression?
Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
Fill in the blank: __________ are the building blocks of proteins.
Amino acids
What is the significance of the human genome project?
The Human Genome Project aimed to map and understand all the genes of the human species.
True or False: Genetic information is stored in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA.
True
What is the role of plasmids in genetic engineering?
Plasmids are used as vectors to transfer genetic material into cells.
What is the difference between somatic and germline mutations?
Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells, while germline mutations occur in reproductive cells and can be passed to offspring.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which RNA is translated into protein.
Translation
What is the purpose of a genetic cross?
A genetic cross is performed to study inheritance patterns and predict offspring traits.
True or False: All organisms have the same number of chromosomes.
False
What is the role of the ribosome in protein synthesis?
Ribosomes facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
Fill in the blank: __________ are segments of DNA that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression.
Introns
What is the significance of gene expression regulation?
Regulating gene expression allows cells to respond to environmental changes and maintain homeostasis.
What is a transgenic organism?
A transgenic organism is one that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method used to amplify DNA sequences.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
What is the main purpose of genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling provides information and support to individuals at risk for genetic disorders.
