DNA and Heredity

What is the main function of DNA in cells?

• To create energy for the cell

• To store and transmit genetic information

• To help in the digestion of food

• To protect the cell from external damage

Answer explanation

DNA's main function is to store and transmit genetic information, allowing for the inheritance of traits and the production of proteins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What are the building blocks of DNA?

• Amino acids

• Nucleotides

• Proteins

• Carbohydrates

Answer explanation

The building blocks of DNA are nucleotides. Nucleotides are the units that make up DNA and consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What is the process by which DNA is copied called?

• Translation

• Transcription

• Replication

• Mutation

Answer explanation

DNA replication is the process by which DNA is copied. It ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information during cell division.

In a Punnett square, what does each box represent?

• A possible trait

• A dominant gene

• A recessive gene

• A possible genotype of offspring

Answer explanation

Each box in a Punnett square represents a possible genotype of offspring.

What does it mean if a trait is recessive?

• It appears every generation

• It is the most common trait

• It only appears when two recessive alleles are present

• It is always harmful

Answer explanation

A recessive trait only appears when two recessive alleles are present.

How many alleles do you inherit from each parent for a particular gene?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

You inherit one allele from each parent for a particular gene.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Which of the following is NOT a component of a nucleotide in DNA?

• Phosphate group

• Ribose sugar

• Nitrogenous base

• Amino acid

Answer explanation

Amino acid is not a component of a nucleotide in DNA. Nucleotides consist of a phosphate group, ribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

In a Punnett square, what does a capital letter represent?

• A recessive allele

• A dominant allele

• A heterozygous pair

• A phenotype

Answer explanation

A capital letter in a Punnett square represents a dominant allele.

What is a genotype?

• The physical appearance of an organism

• The genetic makeup of an organism

• A type of gene

• A type of DNA molecule

Answer explanation

A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, which determines its traits and characteristics. Ex: TT, Tt, tt

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

If "R" represents a dominant allele and "r" represents a recessive allele, what is the phenotype of an organism with the genotype "Rr"?

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Mixed

• Cannot be determined

Answer explanation

An organism with the genotype 'Rr' will exhibit the dominant phenotype because the dominant allele 'R' masks the recessive allele 'r'.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1