Genetics Basic Questions! Quiz

Explanation
When the alleles are the same, they are called homozygous. Homozygous refers to a condition where an individual has two identical alleles for a particular gene. This can be either two dominant alleles or two recessive alleles. In this case, since the question does not specify whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, we can simply state that when the alleles are the same, they are called homozygous.

Explanation
Gregor Mendel is widely recognized as the founder of modern genetics. In the mid-19th century, Mendel conducted experiments with pea plants and discovered the basic principles of inheritance. His work laid the foundation for understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Mendel's findings, which included concepts such as dominant and recessive traits, segregation, and independent assortment, revolutionized the field of genetics and continue to be taught and studied to this day. Therefore, the statement that Gregor Mendel found the fundamental principles of genetics is true.

Explanation
Alleles are various alternative forms of a gene for the same trait. An allele is a specific version of a gene that determines a particular characteristic or trait. Different alleles can result in different expressions of the trait, such as different eye colors or blood types. The presence of multiple alleles allows for genetic diversity within a population and contributes to the variation observed in individuals.

Explanation
The given statement is false. Recessive traits are not the ones that are expressed. In genetics, recessive traits are only expressed when an individual inherits two copies of the recessive allele. If an individual inherits one copy of the recessive allele and one copy of the dominant allele, the dominant trait will be expressed. Therefore, recessive traits are only expressed in individuals who are homozygous for the recessive allele.

Explanation
A Punnett square is a tool used in genetics to predict the possible combinations of alleles that offspring can inherit from their parents. It is a grid that organizes the different alleles of each parent and shows all the possible combinations that can occur when the parents reproduce. This allows scientists to determine the probability of certain traits or genetic conditions being passed on to the next generation.