The Human Genome

Front

What determines whether a human will be male or female?

Back

The sex chromosomes in the sperm cell determine whether a human will be male (XY) or female (XX).

Front

What blood type can an individual with blood type O receive?

Back

An individual with blood type O can only receive blood from another individual with blood type O.

Front

What causes cystic fibrosis?

Back

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a small change in the DNA sequence of one gene.

Front

How are females illustrated in a pedigree chart?

Back

Females are illustrated as circles in a pedigree chart.

Front

What is the purpose of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Back

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to make copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Front

What are sex chromosomes?

Back

Sex chromosomes are the chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual, typically X and Y in humans.

Front

What is the role of autosomes?

Back

Autosomes are non-sex chromosomes that carry genes for traits unrelated to sex.

Front

What is a pedigree chart?

Back

A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors.

Front

What is the significance of blood type compatibility?

Back

Blood type compatibility is crucial for safe blood transfusions; incompatible blood types can cause serious reactions.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins.