Genetics

Question 1

Allele

Answer 1

A version of a gene.

Question 2

Amino acids

Answer 2

Small molecules from which proteins are assembled.

Question 3

Chromosome

Answer 3

A long, coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form
of genes.

Question 4

Coding DNA

Answer 4

A sequence of DNA that codes for the production of a protein.

Question 5

Complementary base pairing

Answer 5

Describes how weak hydrogen bonds form between
complementary base pairs. A pairs with T and C pairs with G

Question 6

Diploid cell

Answer 6

A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome (i.e. a full set of
chromosomes).

Question 7

Diploid cell

Answer 7

A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome (i.e. a full set of
chromosomes).

Question 8

DNA

Answer 8

A double-stranded polymer, wound to form a double helix, that carries the genetic
code.

Question 9

Dominant

Answer 9

Describes an allele that is always expressed. Represented by a capital letter

Question 10

Gametes

Answer 10

Sex cells (sperm and egg cells) with half the usual number of chromosomes.

Question 11

Gene

Answer 11

A length of DNA on a chromosome that codes for the production of a specific protein.

Question 12

Genome

Answer 12

The complete genetic material of an organism.

Question 13

Genotype

Answer 13

An organism’s genetic composition. Describes all alleles.

Question 14

Haploid cell

Answer 14

A cell that contains a single copy of each chromosome (i.e. half the number of
chromosomes)

Question 15

Heterozygous

Answer 15

When someone has two different alleles of a gene, e.g. Ff

Question 16

Homozygous

Answer 16

When someone has two identical alleles of a gene, e.g. ff

Question 17

Human genome project

Answer 17

An international research project involving thousands of scientists
which successfully mapped the entire human genome.

Question 18

Meiosis

Answer 18

A form of cell division that produces four genetically different daughter cells
(gametes) with a haploid number of chromosomes.

Question 19

Mutation

Answer 19

A random change in the base sequence of DNA which may result in genetic
variants. Mutations may be beneficial, damaging, or neutral.

Question 20

Nucleotides

Answer 20

The monomers of DNA consisting of a common sugar, a phosphate group
and one of four chemical bases (A, T, C, G) attached to the sugar.

Question 21

Phenotype

Answer 21

An organism’s observable characteristics due to interactions of the genotype
and the environment.

Question 22

Protein

Answer 22

A large molecule that is synthesised from amino acids.

Question 23

Recessive

Answer 23

Describes an allele that is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele.
Represented by a small letter.

Question 24

Sexual reproduction

Answer 24

A form of reproduction that creates genetic variation, involving the
fusion of male and female gametes.

Question 25

Variation

Answer 25

The differences between individuals due to genes, the environment or a
combination of both.

Question 26

Zygote

Answer 26

A diploid cell formed by the fusion of the nucleus of a male gamete with the
nucleus of a female gamete