Genetic Traits, Inheritance, and Mutations

Mutations to genes

• create a temporary change in the DNA sequence

• does not make much difference to DNA structure

• are a structural change to a gene’s DNA sequence

• are always harmful

Changes to genes may result in

• A harmful effect

• A beneficial effect

• A neutral effect

• All of the above

Genes are located

• in chromosomes

• In the cell membrane

• In chloroplasts

• All of the above

Which mutation is most likely to provide a benefit to the organism?

• A genetic disease

• A change in coloration that may provide camouflage in the environment

• An inability to conserve water in a plant

• Longer tail on a dog

Which mutation is most likely to be harmful to the organism?

• A sweet-smelling nectar that attracts pollinators

• A sleek body that allows an animal to run faster

• Blue eyes in a kitten

• Lungs that take in less oxygen

Some genetic codes actually help animals behave in a certain way. We call this instinct or a behavioral adaptation. An example of behavioral traits include

• Marking territory

• Caring for young

• Building a nest

• Migrating

• All of the above

A Genotype refers to

• a. Physical expression of genes.

• b. How an organism will appear.

• c. Whether an allele is dominant of recessive.

• d. The possible combination of alleles in a gene.

The possibility of genetic traits being passed from parent to offspring is

• a. Gene

• b. Trait

• c. Mutation

• d. Heredity

An allele trait that only shows up when no dominant allele is present.

• a. Dominant allele

• b. Recessive allele

• c. Hidden allele

• d. Mutation

What is one advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

• a. Offspring inherit a wider variety of genetic material

• b. Offspring are identical to parents

• c. Offspring are born alive, rather than from eggs

• d. Parents can produce more offspring than through asexual reproduction