Genetic Mutations

What is the principle role of DNA?

• keep a spiral helix (ladder) shape

• carry the genetic code

• provide energy for the cell

• remove harmful wastes

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Genes build ______ that build traits.

• chromosomes

• DNA

• proteins

• mutations

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Albinism in crocodiles is a mutation that causes a loss of color in the skin of the animal, making them appear white. Which of the following would most likely occur as a result of this mutation?

• Albino crocodiles will catch food faster than other crocodiles as they are more visible.

• Albino crocodiles will live longer than other crocodiles in the population due to the mutation.

• Albino crocodiles may be easily hunted (by humans) and may have difficulty catching food as they cannot easily blend in with their environment.

• Albino crocodiles can reproduce faster than other crocodiles due to their mutation.

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Our traits are determined by the genes that we inherit.

• True

• False

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Which of the following is an example of a mutation that can impact humans?

• Brown eyes

• five fingers on a hand

• colorblindness

• red hair

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All mutations are harmful to an organism.

• True

• False

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Sickle cell anemia is a condition that causes red blood cells to change from round to a half-moon shape. Red blood cells carry oxygen, which becomes more difficult for people who have sickle cell anemia. Is this mutation harmful, beneficial, or neutral?

• harmful

• beneficial

• neutral

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Sickle cell anemia is more common in Africa where malaria is also abundant. People who have sickle cell or who are carriers of sickle cell (heterozygous) are less likely to get malaria due to the shape of their blood cells.

Is this mutation harmful, beneficial or neutral?

• harmful

• beneficial

• neutral

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In the mosquito populations, male mosquitoes feed on nectar from plants while females feed on the blood of organisms. Therefore, female mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases such as the Zika virus. In theory, if female mosquitoes were eliminated from the mosquito population, viruses could not be spread. Scientists plan to use CRISPR technology to edit the genes (causing mutation) of mosquitoes in order to make mosquitoes entirely male. Would this type of mutation be beneficial, neutral or harmful to the species?

• harmful

• beneficial

• neutral

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Which statement most accurately describes how we inherit our genes?

• A child’s genes come from the mother only as her genes are copied and passed down.

• A child’s genes come from the father only as his genes are copied and passed down.

• A child’s genes come from both parents as he inherits copied genes from the mother and the father.

• A child’s genes come from one chromosome in the body.

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