Science Exam - Genetics Flashcards
Q: What is DNA?
A: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule carrying genetic information in a double helix structure.
Q: Describe complementary base pairing in DNA.
A: Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.
(A and T, C and G)
Q: What is a nucleotide?
A: The building block of DNA, consisting of a phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogenous base.
Q: What are genes, genomes, and chromosomes?
A: Genes are DNA segments that are the code for heredity, genomes are the full set of genetic material, and chromosomes are DNA structures that hold genes.
Q: What are sex chromosomes?
A: Chromosomes that determine biological sex, typically XX for female and XY for male.
Q: Define dominant and recessive alleles.
A: Dominant alleles express their traits when present, while recessive alleles express only if paired with another recessive allele.
Q: What does homozygous mean?
A: Having two identical alleles for a trait.
Q: What does heterozygous mean?
A: Having two different alleles for a trait.
Q: Differentiate between genotype and phenotype.
A: Genotype is the genetic makeup, while phenotype is the physical expression of traits.
Q: Explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis.
A: Mitosis is cell division for growth and repair, while meiosis produces sex cells for reproduction.
Q: What does the acronym “I PMAT PMAT C” stand for?
A: The stages of cell division: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (for both meiosis I and II), and Cytokinesis.
Q: What is a monohybrid cross?
A: A genetic cross focusing on one trait to determine inheritance patterns.
Q: How is a Punnett square used?
A: To predict the possible genotypes of offspring from parental alleles.
Q: What is a pedigree chart?
A: A diagram showing inheritance patterns of traits through generations.
Q: Define adaptation.
A: A trait that increases an organism’s chance of survival in its environment.
