Genetics Quiz

1. An organism's physical appearance or visible traits...

• genotype

• gene

• inherit

• phenotype

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'phenotype' because it refers to an organism's physical appearance or visible traits, distinguishing it from 'genotype', which refers to the genetic makeup.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

2. What is an example of an inherited trait?

• Being a fast runner

• Having brown eyes

• Having nice writing

• Having nice shoes

Answer explanation

An inherited trait is a characteristic passed from parents to offspring. Having brown eyes is an inherited trait, as it is determined by genetics, while the other options are influenced by personal abilities or choices.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

3. A part of the cell containing the genetic material DNA.

• Proteins

• Nucleus

• Anticodon

• Nucleotide

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains the genetic material, DNA. It serves as the control center for cell activities and is essential for storing and managing genetic information.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Match the following traits with their examples.

• A genetic trait related to eye color

• Having brown eyes

• An item that can be purchased

• Having black hair

• A genetic trait related to hair color

• Having nice writing

• A skill developed through practice

• Having nice shoes

The shape of DNA, like a twisted ladder, is also referred to as a (a)  

• Triplet Code/ Codon

• Nucleotide

• Double Helix

• Nitrogen Bases

Answer explanation

The shape of DNA is commonly described as a 'Double Helix', resembling a twisted ladder. This term highlights the two strands of nucleotides that coil around each other, distinguishing it from other options like nitrogen bases or codons.

7. Which part of DNA has the genetic code?

• Phosphates

• Sugar phosphate backbones

• Bases

• Sugars

Answer explanation

The genetic code in DNA is carried by the bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine). These bases pair up to form the sequences that encode genetic information, making them the key component of the genetic code.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

8. List the correct order from smallest to largest.

• nucleus, gene, chromosome, DNA

• gene, DNA, chromosome, nucleus

• chromosome,gene, DNA, nucleus

• DNA, nucleus, chromosome, gene

Answer explanation

The correct order from smallest to largest is: gene (a segment of DNA), DNA (the molecule), chromosome (a structure made of DNA), and nucleus (the cell's organelle containing chromosomes). Thus, the answer is gene, DNA, chromosome, nucleus.

9. The base Adenine will only pair with which other base?

• Thymine pairs with which base in DNA?

• Guanine

• Guanine pairs with which base?

• Adenine

• Cytosine pairs with which base?

• Thymine

• Adenine pairs with which base in DNA?

• Cytosine

10. The basic structural and functional unit of all living things.

• Cell

• Genes

• Trait

• Replication

Answer explanation

The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms. It is the smallest unit that can carry out life processes, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

11. Makes up the rungs of the ladder in a double helix.

• Double Helix

• Nucleus

• Bases

• Nucleotide

Answer explanation

In a double helix structure, the rungs of the ladder are formed by pairs of nitrogenous bases. These bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) connect the two strands of DNA, making 'Bases' the correct answer.