Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'heritable unit' discovered by Mendel in his pea plant experiments?

Accepted Answer

A gene that is passed from parent to offspring

Question 2

During meiosis, independent assortment occurs. What is the genetic consequence of this process?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation by randomly distributing maternal and paternal chromosomes to gametes

Question 3

A couple, both carriers for cystic fibrosis (CF), have two children: one child with CF and one without. What is the probability that their next child will also have CF? (Assume CF is autosomal recessive.)

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{4}$$

Question 4

Which stage of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the center of the cell?

Accepted Answer

Metaphase

Question 5

A cell with genotype AaBbCc undergoes meiosis. What is the probability that a gamete will have the genotype ABC?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{8}$$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why crossing over during meiosis increases genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

It exchanges genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new allele combinations

Question 7

In a pedigree, a trait appears in every generation and affects both males and females equally. What is the most likely mode of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Autosomal dominant

Question 8

A DNA sequence is 5'-ATG GCA TCG TTA TAA ATG AGG-3'. What is the sequence and polarity of the mature mRNA strand?

Accepted Answer

5'-AUG GCA UCG UUA UAA AUG AGG-3'

Question 9

Which of the following is a consequence of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes have an extra or missing chromosome, leading to disorders such as Down syndrome

Question 10

A pedigree shows that a trait is only present in males and is passed from father to son. What is the most likely mode of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Y-linked

Question 11

If a heterozygous individual (Aa) is crossed with a homozygous recessive individual (aa), what is the expected genotypic ratio of the offspring?

Accepted Answer

1 Aa : 1 aa

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the law of segregation?

Accepted Answer

Alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation so each gamete receives only one allele

Question 13

A sunflower plant with genotype AaBb is self-pollinated. What is the probability that an offspring will be homozygous for both genes?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{16}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of microtubules during mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing DNA

Question 15

A woman who is a carrier for an X-linked recessive disorder has children with a man who does not have the disorder. What is the probability that their son will have the disorder?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{2}$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of gene expression?

Accepted Answer

The conversion of DNA into RNA and then into protein

Question 17

A testcross is performed between a pea plant with genotype Tt and a homozygous recessive plant (tt). What is the expected phenotypic ratio of the offspring?

Accepted Answer

1 tall : 1 short

Question 18

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for dosage compensation in female mammals?

Accepted Answer

X-chromosome inactivation

Question 19

A pedigree shows that a trait skips generations and affects males more frequently than females. What is the most likely mode of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

X-linked recessive

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of kinetochores during cell division?

Accepted Answer

They attach chromosomes to spindle fibers, allowing movement during mitosis and meiosis

Genetics Study Guide: Key Concepts, Applications, and Critical Thinking

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