Unit 8 Lesson 6: Genetic Variations Can be Inherited

Question 1

mutation

Answer 1

a change in a DNA sequence

Question 2

inheritable genetic variations

Answer 2

changes in genetic material that can be passed to offspring

Question 3

Inheritance is the process in which

Answer 3

genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.

Question 4

Where is geentic infor located

Answer 4

Genetic information is located on DNA that forms in the chromosomes found in the nucleus of the cells.

Question 5

what does geenitc material contain

Answer 5

This genetic material contains all the information for growth, survival, and reproduction for the next generation.

Question 6

Recall that genetic information is copied into gametes in the process of

Answer 6

meiosis.

Question 7

What happens during meiosis

Answer 7

. During this process, four daughter cells are created with half the number of normal body chromosomes. In this way, when an egg cell and a sperm cell join, the new organism will have the normal number of chromosomes. The new organism will get half of its genetic information from the mother (egg) and half from the father (sperm).

Question 8

Homologous chromosomes and genotype during meiosis

Answer 8

Homologous chromosomes will match up to create the genotype of the new organism. The genotype, or DNA sequence, will then determine the phenotypes, or traits, expressed.

Question 9

somatic cells

Answer 9

all other cells in an organism except the reproductive cells

Question 10

Do somatic cells get passed down

Answer 10

However, any changes to body cells, or somatic cells, will not be passed to the next generation. These cells are not inherited.

Question 11

Why arent somatic cells inhertired

Answer 11

Somatic cells are reproduced through mitosis, which results in two daughter cells. Each of these cells contains the normal number of chromosomes.

Question 12

Example of somatic cells

Answer 12

Skin cells are somatic cells, and they reproduce constantly to replace worn-out layers of skin cells or to help heal cuts and scrapes on the skin.

Question 13

mutation in somatic cell vs gamete

Answer 13

If a mutation happens in a somatic cell, the mutation will not be passed to the offspring. If the mutation happens in a cell that forms a gamete, though, the mutation can be a source of inheritable genetic variation, since the offspring could receive the mutation.

Question 14

Can cells that are considered somatic, meaning cells that are not reproductive, pass along genetic information that can be inherited?

Answer 14

Somatic cells are body cells, and they are not gametes. Somatic cells cannot pass along genetic information. Somatic cells divide through mitosis and not meiosis.

Question 15

Use evidence and reasoning to support the claim that mutations and meiosis are a source of genetic variation.

Answer 15

Genetic variation is the mutations that are passed to offspring through gametes, which are produced in the process of meiosis.

Question 16

Describe how genetic information is passed to offspring.

Answer 16

Genetic information is passed to offspring through gametes, or the sex cells. These will join and create a new organism.

Question 17

Explain how types of skin cancer, brought on by exposure to the UV rays from the sun, are not genetically passed from parent to offspring.

Answer 17

These types of cancer are the direct result of exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. There is no genetics involved. Sometimes it may seem that it runs in families but that is due to the parents and children spending the same amount of time in the sun and not wearing the proper sunscreen for protection.

Question 18

What are some examples of how mutations can occur?

Answer 18

Possible response: Mutations can be caused by environmental factors or by errors in replication.

Question 19

how does UV light cause cancer?

Answer 19

UV light causes changes in the genetic information in the cells. These changes can result in cancer.

Question 20

Are mutations that occur in the skin cells passed to offspring? Why or why not?

Answer 20

The mutations that can occur in the skin cells are not passed to offspring because the skin cells are not gametes and are not part of reproduction, therefore they cannot be inherited.