Flashcard on Genes

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A segment of DNA that determines traits

Answer explanation

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for determining traits in an organism. It is not a type of cell, a random part of a cell, or a protein, making the correct choice "A segment of DNA that determines traits."

Front

Where are genes located in a cell?

Back

Nucleus

Answer explanation

Genes are primarily located in the nucleus of a cell, where they are organized into chromosomes. While mitochondria contain some genes, the nucleus is the main site for genetic material.

Front

What do genes do?

Back

Control the traits we inherit from our parents

Answer explanation

Genes control the traits we inherit from our parents by providing the instructions for building proteins, which influence our physical characteristics and biological functions.

Front

What molecule carries genetic information?

Back

DNA

Answer explanation

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms, encoding the instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. The other options do not serve this purpose.

Front

True or False: All living things have genes.

Back

True

Answer explanation

True. All living things, from bacteria to humans, possess genes, which are the units of heredity that carry genetic information essential for growth, development, and functioning.

Front

What is heredity?

Back

Passing of traits from parents to offspring

Answer explanation

Heredity is the process by which traits are passed from parents to their offspring. This biological mechanism explains how characteristics are inherited across generations, making it the correct choice.

Front

What role do clotting factor proteins play in the body?

Back

Form a solid clot to stop bleeding

Answer explanation

Clotting factor proteins are essential for hemostasis, as they work together to form a solid clot that stops bleeding when blood vessels are injured. This prevents excessive blood loss and aids in healing.

Front

What causes hemophilia?

Back

Lack of clotting factor proteins

Answer explanation

Hemophilia is caused by a lack of clotting factor proteins, which are essential for blood coagulation. Without these proteins, the blood cannot clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.

Front

What is an allele?

Back

A different version of a gene

Answer explanation

An allele is a different version of a gene that can determine specific traits in an organism. The other options describe physical traits, proteins, or blood cells, which are not definitions of alleles.

Front

Why can’t people with hemophilia form clots properly?

Back

They lack a gene that creates the right clotting protein

Answer explanation

People with hemophilia cannot form clots properly because they lack a gene that produces essential clotting proteins. This deficiency impairs the blood's ability to clot effectively, leading to excessive bleeding.