bio

What is genetics?

The study of heredity and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Who is known as the "Father of Genetics"?

Gregor Mendel.

Why did Mendel use pea plants?

Because they are easy to grow, have a short generation time, many visible traits, can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate, and produce many offspring.

Examples of traits studied by Mendel?

Flower colour, seed shape, and plant height.

What is a gene?

A segment of DNA that controls a trait.

What is an allele?

Different forms of the same gene.

What is a dominant allele?

An allele that is expressed whenever it is present and is represented by a capital letter.

What is a recessive allele?

An allele that is only expressed when two copies are present and is represented by a lowercase letter.

What is genotype?

The genetic makeup of an organism.

What is phenotype?

The physical appearance of an organism.

What does homozygous mean?

Having two identical alleles.

What does heterozygous mean?

Having two different alleles.

What is pure breeding?

Being homozygous for a trait.

What is a gamete?

A sex cell (sperm or egg).

What is the Law of Dominance?

A dominant allele masks a recessive allele.

What is the Law of Segregation?

Alleles separate during gamete formation, and each gamete receives only one allele.

What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

Different genes assort independently during meiosis.

What is a monohybrid cross?

A genetic cross that studies one trait.

What is incomplete dominance?

A situation where neither allele completely dominates, resulting in a blend of traits.

What is codominance?

A genetic situation where both alleles are expressed equally.

What are multiple alleles?

More than two alleles exist for a gene in a population.

What are the blood types in humans?

Type A (IAIA or IAi), Type B (IBIB or IBi), Type AB (IAIB), and Type O (ii).

What is the purpose of the cell cycle?

To promote growth, repair, and replace cells.

What are the stages of the cell cycle?

G1, S, G2, Mitosis, Cytokinesis.

What occurs during mitosis?

Mitosis is the process of cell division that produces two genetically identical diploid cells.

What is meiosis?

A process that produces gametes with four genetically unique haploid cells.

What is crossing over?

The exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis.

What is a karyotype?

A photograph of chromosomes arranged in pairs used to determine sex, detect chromosome abnormalities, and diagnose genetic disorders.

What is genetic counseling?

A service that provides information about inherited disorders, family risk, and testing options.

What are GMOs?

Genetically Modified Organisms whose DNA has been altered using biotechnology.

What is the function of the respiratory system?

To bring oxygen into the body, remove carbon dioxide, and supply cells with oxygen.

What is cellular respiration?

A process where glucose and oxygen are used to produce energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

What is the purpose of the digestive system?

To break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.

What is mechanical digestion?

The physical breakdown of food, such as chewing.

What is chemical digestion?

The process of breaking down food using enzymes.