Practice Quiz On Genetics
It is believed that humans share genetics with plants and animals. A proper understanding of the genes can lead to the scientific breakthrough on some diseases ailing us all. The trivia offers one a way to polish up on the knowledge of genes in living things. Give it a try and gauge yourself.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following phenomena is an exception to Mendel’s principles?
- A.
Independent assortment of genes
- B.
Random segregation
- C.
Allelic dominance
- D.
Polygenic inheritance
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. Polygenic inheritanceExplanation
Polygenic inheritance is an exception to Mendel's principles because it involves the inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes, rather than a single gene. Mendel's principles primarily focus on the inheritance of traits controlled by a single gene, and do not account for the complexity of traits controlled by multiple genes. Polygenic inheritance is observed in traits such as height, skin color, and intelligence, which are influenced by the combined effects of multiple genes.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The term “dominant” means that:
- A.
The dominant phenotype shows up at least 50% of the time in the first generation
- B.
The F1 generation of a hybrid cross always exhibits the dominant phenotype
- C.
One allele can mask the expression of another hybrid
- D.
The dominant phenotype shows up 100% of the time in all generations
- E.
The dominant phenotype is more beneficial than the recessive phenotype
Correct Answer
C. One allele can mask the expression of another hybridExplanation
The term "dominant" refers to the ability of one allele to mask or override the expression of another allele in a hybrid individual. This means that even if an individual carries both dominant and recessive alleles for a particular trait, only the dominant allele will be expressed, while the recessive allele remains hidden or masked. Therefore, the correct answer is "one allele can mask the expression of another hybrid."Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following represents the possible genotype(s) resulting from a cross between an individual homozygous for black hair (BB) and a heterozygous (Bb) individual?
- A.
BB and Bb
- B.
BB, Bb and bb
- C.
BB only
- D.
Bb only
- E.
Bb only
Correct Answer
A. BB and BbExplanation
When an individual is homozygous for a trait, it means they have two identical alleles for that trait. In this case, the individual homozygous for black hair (BB) has two black hair alleles. On the other hand, a heterozygous individual (Bb) has one black hair allele and one allele for a different hair color, which is not specified. When these two individuals cross, their possible genotypes are BB (homozygous black hair) and Bb (heterozygous black hair).Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following represents the possible genotype(s) resulting from a cross between two individuals that are heterozygous (Bb)?
- A.
BB and Bb
- B.
BB, Bb and bb
- C.
BB only
- D.
Bb only
- E.
Bb only
Correct Answer
B. BB, Bb and bbExplanation
When two individuals that are heterozygous (Bb) are crossed, they can produce three possible genotypes in their offspring: BB, Bb, and bb. This is because each parent can pass on either a dominant allele (B) or a recessive allele (b), resulting in a combination of both alleles (Bb) or two copies of either allele (BB or bb) in the offspring.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Two Martians fall in love and get married. One Martian is homozygous for red eyes (RR), while the other is heterozygous (Rr). The recessive eye colour is purple. What is the probability that they will have a child with purple eyes?
- A.
1/1
- B.
1/2
- C.
1/4
- D.
3/4
- E.
0
Correct Answer
E. 0Explanation
The probability of the Martians having a child with purple eyes is 0. This is because the homozygous Martian (RR) does not carry the recessive gene for purple eyes, and the heterozygous Martian (Rr) only has a 50% chance of passing on the recessive gene. Therefore, there is no possibility for the child to inherit the recessive gene for purple eyes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Two Martians fall in love and get married. One Martian is homozygous for red eyes (RR), while the other is heterozygous (Rr). The recessive eye colour is purple. What are the chances that the alien couple will have a child with red eyes?
- A.
1
- B.
1/2
- C.
1/4
- D.
3/4
- E.
0
Correct Answer
A. 1Explanation
The chances that the alien couple will have a child with red eyes is 1. This is because the homozygous Martian (RR) will always pass on the dominant red eye allele to their offspring, while the heterozygous Martian (Rr) has a 50% chance of passing on the red eye allele. Therefore, regardless of which allele the heterozygous Martian passes on, the child will always have at least one red eye allele and will have red eyes.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Two Martians fall in love and get married. One Martian is homozygous for red eyes (RR), while the other is heterozygous (Rr). The recessive eye colour is purple. What is the probability that the alien couple will have a child that is heterzogous for eye colour?
- A.
1
- B.
1/2
- C.
1/4
- D.
3/4
- E.
0
Correct Answer
B. 1/2Explanation
The probability that the alien couple will have a child that is heterozygous for eye color is 1/2. This is because the homozygous Martian (RR) can only pass on the dominant red eye color allele (R), while the heterozygous Martian (Rr) can pass on either the dominant red allele (R) or the recessive purple allele (r). Therefore, there is a 50% chance that the child will receive the recessive purple allele from the heterozygous parent, resulting in a heterozygous genotype (Rr) for eye color.Rate this question:
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- 8.
When pink-flowered plants were crossed they produced offspring with red, pink and white flowers in a ratio of 1:2:1. This is an example of incomplete dominance.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When pink-flowered plants were crossed and produced offspring with red, pink, and white flowers in a ratio of 1:2:1, it indicates incomplete dominance. Incomplete dominance occurs when the traits of the parents blend together in the offspring, resulting in an intermediate phenotype. In this case, the pink-flowered plants are not completely dominant over the red and white flowers, as both colors are expressed in the offspring. Therefore, the statement "This is an example of incomplete dominance" is true.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Breeding a yellow dog with a brown dog produced mixed colour puppies (with both yellow and brown hairs). This is an example of co-dominance
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
This statement is true because co-dominance occurs when both alleles for a gene are expressed equally in the phenotype of a heterozygous individual. In this case, the yellow and brown alleles are both expressed in the mixed color puppies, indicating co-dominance.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In snapdragons, heterozygotes have pink flowers, whereas the two homozygotes have red flowers or white flowers. When plants with red flowers are cross with plants with white flowers, what proportion of the offspring will have pink flowers?
- A.
0%
- B.
25%
- C.
50%
- D.
75%
- E.
100%
Correct Answer
E. 100%Explanation
When plants with red flowers are crossed with plants with white flowers, the resulting offspring will all have pink flowers. This is because the red flower parent is homozygous for the red flower trait (RR) and the white flower parent is homozygous for the white flower trait (WW). The offspring, being heterozygous (RW), will inherit one allele for red flowers and one allele for white flowers, resulting in pink flowers. Therefore, the proportion of offspring with pink flowers is 100%.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A woman and her husband both show the normal phenotype for skin pigmentation. However, both had one parent who was an albino. Albinism is an autosomal recessive trait.What is the probability that their first child will be have albinism?
- A.
0%
- B.
25%
- C.
50%
- D.
75%
- E.
100%
Correct Answer
B. 25%Explanation
Since both the woman and her husband show the normal phenotype for skin pigmentation, it means that they both have one dominant allele for pigmentation. However, since both of them had one parent who was an albino, it means that they both carry one recessive allele for albinism. Therefore, the probability of their first child having albinism is 25% because there is a 25% chance that both parents will pass on their recessive alleles for albinism to their child.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A woman and her husband both show the normal phenotype for skin pigmentation. However, both had one parent who had albinism. Albinism is an autosomal recessive trait. If their first two children have normal pigmentation, what is the chance that their third child will have albinism?
- A.
0%
- B.
25%
- C.
50%
- D.
75%
- E.
100%
Correct Answer
B. 25%Explanation
Since both the woman and her husband have the normal phenotype for skin pigmentation, it means that they both have one normal allele and one albino allele for the gene responsible for pigmentation. When they have children, each parent has a 50% chance of passing on either the normal allele or the albino allele. Therefore, the chance of passing on the albino allele to each child is 50%. Since the inheritance of alleles is independent in each child, the chance of their third child having albinism is also 50%. Therefore, the correct answer is 50%.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Incomplete dominance occurs when the phenotype of the heterozygote differs from the phenotypes of both homozygotes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Incomplete dominance is a genetic phenomenon where neither of the two alleles is completely dominant over the other, resulting in a phenotype that is an intermediate blend of the phenotypes of the two homozygotes. In other words, the heterozygote has a phenotype that is different from both the homozygotes. This is in contrast to complete dominance, where one allele is completely dominant over the other. Therefore, the statement that incomplete dominance occurs when the phenotype of the heterozygote differs from the phenotypes of both homozygotes is true.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is not an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
- A.
Mating occurs preferentially
- B.
The size of the population is large
- C.
There is no migration
- D.
There are no mutations
Correct Answer
A. Mating occurs preferentiallyExplanation
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes that mating occurs randomly, meaning that individuals in a population have an equal chance of mating with any other individual. This assumption allows for the calculation of allele frequencies in a population. However, the given answer states that mating occurs preferentially, which contradicts the assumption of random mating. Therefore, this is not an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following describes gene flow?
- A.
Random mating
- B.
Migration
- C.
Genetic drift
- D.
Selection
Correct Answer
B. MigrationExplanation
Gene flow refers to the movement of genes from one population to another through migration. It occurs when individuals or their gametes migrate and breed with individuals from another population, resulting in the transfer of genetic material. This process can introduce new genetic variations into a population and increase genetic diversity. Therefore, migration is the correct answer to the question as it accurately describes gene flow.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Phenotype refers to the of an individual
- A.
Genetic makeup
- B.
Actual physical appearance
- C.
Recessive alleles
- D.
None of the options are correct
Correct Answer
B. Actual physical appearanceExplanation
Phenotype refers to the actual physical appearance of an individual. It is the result of the interaction between an individual's genetic makeup and environmental factors. This includes observable traits such as hair color, eye color, height, and behavior. The phenotype can be influenced by both dominant and recessive alleles, as well as other genetic and non-genetic factors.Rate this question:
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- 17.
An allele is:
- A.
Another word for a gene
- B.
A homozygous genotype
- C.
A heterozygous genotype
- D.
One of several possible forms of a gene
Correct Answer
D. One of several possible forms of a geneExplanation
An allele refers to one of several possible forms of a gene. Genes can have different variations or alleles, which can result in different traits or characteristics. Alleles can be dominant or recessive, and they determine the expression of a particular gene in an individual. Therefore, an allele is not another word for a gene, a homozygous genotype, or a heterozygous genotype, but rather a specific form or variant of a gene.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The letters below represent the alleles for a single gene that controls fur color in a population of mice. In this population, the frequency of the ‘a’ allele isaaAaaaAaAaaaaaaaaaAaaaAa
- A.
50%
- B.
19/24 or 79.16%
- C.
7/12 or 58.33%
- D.
12/24 or 50%
Correct Answer
B. 19/24 or 79.16%Explanation
In the given population of mice, the frequency of the 'a' allele is represented by the sequence "aaAaaaAaAaaaaaaaaaAaaaAa". To determine the frequency of the 'a' allele, we count the number of times the 'a' allele appears in the sequence. In this case, there are 19 'a' alleles out of a total of 24 alleles. Therefore, the frequency of the 'a' allele is 19/24 or approximately 79.16%.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The letters below represent the alleles for a single gene that controls fur color in a population of mice. In this population, the frequency of the dominant allele is.aaAaaaAaAaaaaaaaaaAaaaAa
- A.
5/12 or 41%
- B.
20/24 or 83.33%
- C.
5/24 or about 21%
- D.
None of the options are correct
Correct Answer
C. 5/24 or about 21%Explanation
The given answer is 5/24 or about 21%. This can be determined by counting the number of dominant alleles (A) in the given sequence of alleles. There are a total of 24 alleles in the sequence, and only 5 of them are dominant (A). Therefore, the frequency of the dominant allele is 5/24, which can be simplified to about 21%.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Allele frequency is:
- A.
The total number of homozygous individuals found in a population’s gene pool.
- B.
The number of dominant alleles found in a gene pool.
- C.
The percentage or fraction of all alleles for a specific gene represented by one specific allele.
- D.
None of the options are correct
Correct Answer
C. The percentage or fraction of all alleles for a specific gene represented by one specific allele.Explanation
The correct answer is "the percentage or fraction of all alleles for a specific gene represented by one specific allele." This is because allele frequency refers to the proportion of a specific allele in a population's gene pool. It is calculated by dividing the number of copies of a specific allele by the total number of alleles for that gene in the population. This measure helps in understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of a population.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Sex-linked genetically inherited traits:
- A.
Can appear in both males and females
- B.
Are only found in males
- C.
Are only found in females
- D.
Result from premarital sexual intercourse
Correct Answer
A. Can appear in both males and femalesExplanation
Sex-linked genetically inherited traits can appear in both males and females because they are determined by genes located on the sex chromosomes. In humans, these traits are often associated with the X chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. If a gene on the X chromosome carries a trait, it can be expressed in both males and females, although the inheritance pattern may differ. Males are more likely to express sex-linked traits because they only have one X chromosome, while females need to inherit the trait on both X chromosomes to express it.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Y-linked traits are inherited:
- A.
Only by females
- B.
Only by males
- C.
By both males and females
- D.
Neither males nor females
Correct Answer
B. Only by malesExplanation
Y-linked traits are inherited only by males because the Y chromosome is passed down from father to son. Females do not have a Y chromosome, so they cannot inherit traits that are specifically linked to it. Y-linked traits are typically rare and include characteristics such as male pattern baldness and certain types of color blindness. Since only males possess a Y chromosome, they are the only ones who can pass down Y-linked traits to their male offspring.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Sex-linked traits appear more often in males than in females because
- A.
Males are produced in greater numbers
- B.
Females have only one X chromosome
- C.
Males have only one X chromosome
- D.
Sex-linked traits are carried on the Y chromosome
Correct Answer
C. Males have only one X chromosomeExplanation
Males have only one X chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. Sex-linked traits are carried on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, they have a higher chance of expressing sex-linked traits compared to females. This is because if a male inherits a recessive allele for a sex-linked trait on his X chromosome, he does not have a second X chromosome to mask the expression of that allele. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes, so even if they inherit a recessive allele for a sex-linked trait on one X chromosome, the presence of a dominant allele on their other X chromosome can mask the expression of the recessive allele.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A individual who has two of the same allele is said to be
- A.
Homozygous
- B.
Heteromologous
- C.
Homologous
- D.
Heterozygous
- E.
Diplozygous
Correct Answer
A. HomozygousExplanation
An individual who has two of the same allele is said to be homozygous. This means that both copies of the gene at a specific location on the chromosomes are identical. In other words, the individual inherited the same version of the gene from both parents. This can result in the expression of a specific trait or characteristic.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The appearance resulting from a given gene combination is referred to as the:
- A.
Genotype
- B.
Phenotype
- C.
Phototype
- D.
Alleleotype
- E.
Stereotype
Correct Answer
B. PhenotypeExplanation
The appearance resulting from a given gene combination is referred to as the phenotype. The phenotype includes all observable traits and characteristics of an organism, such as its physical appearance, behavior, and physiological features. It is determined by the interaction between an organism's genotype (the genetic makeup) and its environment. The phenotype is what we can see and study, making it an important factor in understanding genetics and studying the effects of genes on an organism.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele is
- A.
Sickle-cell anemia
- B.
PKU
- C.
Tay-sachs disease
- D.
Haemophilia
- E.
Huntington's disease
Correct Answer
E. Huntington's diseaseExplanation
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to various physical and mental symptoms. The presence of a single mutated gene is enough to cause the disease, making it dominant. This means that if one parent has the disease, there is a 50% chance that their child will inherit the disorder.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Assume that you encounter a very large population of mice that have an unusual mating system: individuals with a streak of white fur between the eyes mate only with individuals lacking this marking. Is this population likely to be in equilibrium? Why or why not?
- A.
Yes, the population is large
- B.
Yes, individuals with the trait preferentially mate with those lacking the trait
- C.
No, mating is non-random
- D.
No, mutation has occurred in this population resulting in the white streak trait
Correct Answer
C. No, mating is non-randomExplanation
The correct answer is "no, mating is non-random". This is because individuals with a streak of white fur between the eyes mate only with individuals lacking this marking, indicating that mating is based on a specific trait rather than random chance. This non-random mating pattern disrupts the equilibrium of the population, as it leads to the preferential selection of certain traits and can result in changes in the frequency of those traits over time.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The genes in a population comprise its:
- A.
Gene allocation
- B.
Gene flow
- C.
Gene pool
- D.
Genotype
Correct Answer
C. Gene poolExplanation
The genes in a population comprise its gene pool. The gene pool refers to the total collection of genes, including all the different alleles, present in a population. It represents the genetic diversity within a population and provides the raw material for evolution to occur. Gene flow, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of genes from one population to another. Genotype refers to the specific combination of alleles an individual possesses. Gene allocation is not a term commonly used in genetics.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A highly variable gene variant or DNA sequence present in more than 1% of a population is called a polymophism
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A highly variable gene variant or DNA sequence present in more than 1% of a population is called a polymorphism. This means that the gene variant or DNA sequence can occur in different forms or variations within the population. These variations can be inherited and contribute to the genetic diversity within a population.Rate this question:
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- 30.
In a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilirbiurm, the frequency of a recessive allele will over time
- A.
Increase
- B.
Decrease
- C.
Remain the same
- D.
Vary
Correct Answer
C. Remain the sameExplanation
In a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of a recessive allele will remain the same over time. This is because Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes that there are no forces at work to change the allele frequencies in a population. The equilibrium is maintained through a balance of genetic drift, mutation, migration, and natural selection. As long as these forces are not acting upon the population, the frequency of the recessive allele will remain constant from generation to generation.Rate this question:
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- 31.
In familial hypercholesterolemia, individuals homozygous for the allele causing the disorder completely lack receptors on liver cells that take up cholesterol from the blood stream. Heterozygotes have one-half the number of receptors while individuals homozygous for the normal allele are phenotypically normal. This is an example of
- A.
Complete dominance
- B.
Co-dominance
- C.
Incomplete dominance
- D.
Epistasis
Correct Answer
C. Incomplete dominanceExplanation
Incomplete dominance occurs when the phenotype of the heterozygote is intermediate between the phenotypes of the two homozygotes. In this case, individuals homozygous for the allele causing familial hypercholesterolemia completely lack receptors, while individuals homozygous for the normal allele have normal receptors. Heterozygotes, however, have only half the number of receptors, resulting in an intermediate phenotype. This demonstrates incomplete dominance, as the heterozygous phenotype is not completely dominant over the homozygous phenotypes.Rate this question:
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- 32.
In humans, the dominance relationship between the A and B alleles of the ABO blood group gene is an example of:
- A.
Complete dominance
- B.
Incomplete dominance
- C.
Co-dominance
- D.
Epistasis
Correct Answer
C. Co-dominanceExplanation
The dominance relationship between the A and B alleles of the ABO blood group gene is an example of co-dominance. This means that both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype. In individuals with both A and B alleles, both A and B antigens are present on the surface of red blood cells, resulting in the AB blood type. This is different from complete dominance, where one allele completely masks the expression of the other, and from incomplete dominance, where a heterozygote exhibits an intermediate phenotype. Epistasis refers to the interaction between different genes, not alleles of the same gene.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Alleles that are both expressed in a heterozygote are:
- A.
Completely dominant
- B.
Co-dominant
- C.
Incompletely dominant
- D.
Epistatic
Correct Answer
B. Co-dominantExplanation
In a heterozygote, both alleles are expressed equally and contribute to the phenotype. This is known as co-dominance. In completely dominant inheritance, one allele is dominant over the other and masks its expression. In incompletely dominant inheritance, a blending of the two alleles occurs resulting in an intermediate phenotype. Epistatic refers to the interaction between different genes where one gene masks or modifies the expression of another gene.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 14, 2016Quiz Created by
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