Genetics Fundamentals Quiz

1. What is a Punnett square?

A method of predicting the weather patterns based on cloud formations.

A scientific tool used to measure temperature changes.

A SQUARE USED BY SCIENTISTS TO DETERMINE THE GENOTYPE OF THE PARENTS OFFSPRING

A type of geometric shape with four equal sides.

A Punnett square is a tool specifically used in genetics to track the possible genotypes of offspring produced by two parents.

Explanation

A Punnett square is a tool specifically used in genetics to track the possible genotypes of offspring produced by two parents.

2. What does the term 'dominant trait' refer to?

The environmental factor

The recessive trait

THE VISIBLE TRAIT

The genetic mutation

A dominant trait is a genetic feature that overrides a recessive trait and is expressed in an individual's phenotype. It is typically the trait that is visible or observable in the individual.

Explanation

A dominant trait is a genetic feature that overrides a recessive trait and is expressed in an individual's phenotype. It is typically the trait that is visible or observable in the individual.

3. What does it mean to be heterozygous?

AN INDIVIDUAL WITH TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF A GENE (Tt)

An individual with two identical versions of a gene (TT or tt).

An individual with no versions of a gene.

An individual with three different versions of a gene.

Heterozygous refers to having two different versions of a gene, one inherited from each parent. This results in a genotype like Tt, where T represents one version of the gene and t represents another version.

Explanation

Heterozygous refers to having two different versions of a gene, one inherited from each parent. This results in a genotype like Tt, where T represents one version of the gene and t represents another version.

4. What does it mean to be homozygous?

An individual with no versions of a gene (TT, tt).

An individual with one version of a gene (T).

AN INDIVIDUAL WITH TWO IDENTICAL VERSIONS OF A GENE (TT, tt)

An individual with two different versions of a gene (Tt).

Homozygous refers to an individual having two identical versions of a gene, whether both versions are dominant (TT) or recessive (tt). Having two different versions of a gene (Tt) would be heterozygous, while having only one version of a gene (T) would not qualify as homozygous.

Explanation

Homozygous refers to an individual having two identical versions of a gene, whether both versions are dominant (TT) or recessive (tt). Having two different versions of a gene (Tt) would be heterozygous, while having only one version of a gene (T) would not qualify as homozygous.

5. What is a genotype?

The process of photosynthesis in plants.

GENOTYPE: THE SET OF GENES THAT DETERMINE THE TRAIT (I.E: TT, tt, Tt)

The physical characteristics of an organism.

The classification of species in biology.

A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the combination of alleles present in an individual that determine a particular trait. This is distinct from phenotype, which refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the genotype interaction with the environment.

Explanation

A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the combination of alleles present in an individual that determine a particular trait. This is distinct from phenotype, which refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the genotype interaction with the environment.

6. What is phenotype?

Genetic makeup of an organism.

An organism's behavior and habits.

PHENOTYPE: A VISIBLE TRAIT AN ORGANISM HAS (GREEN EYES, BROWN HAIR, ETC.)

Physical appearance of an organism.

Phenotype refers to the observable traits of an organism, such as its physical characteristics like eye color or hair color, and is not related to the genetic makeup, behavior, or habits.

Explanation

Phenotype refers to the observable traits of an organism, such as its physical characteristics like eye color or hair color, and is not related to the genetic makeup, behavior, or habits.

7. What is a recessive trait?

THE TRAIT THAT IS HIDDEN

A dominant trait.

A trait that is expressed only in males.

An observable trait.

A recessive trait is a genetic trait that is only expressed when an individual has two copies of the recessive allele. It is 'hidden' when there is a dominant allele present.

Explanation

A recessive trait is a genetic trait that is only expressed when an individual has two copies of the recessive allele. It is 'hidden' when there is a dominant allele present.

8. What is an allele?

Mutated genes

Different structures of a chromosome

A type of blood cell

DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF A GENE, (T or t)

An allele refers to different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific genetic location. For example, in humans, the gene for tongue rolling can have different alleles resulting in some individuals being able to roll their tongue (T) while others cannot (t).

Explanation

An allele refers to different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific genetic location. For example, in humans, the gene for tongue rolling can have different alleles resulting in some individuals being able to roll their tongue (T) while others cannot (t).