Science DNA, Genes and Physics

Question 1

What is Genetics?

Answer 1

Study of heredity and how traits are passed on.

Question 2

What does DNA stand for?

Answer 2

A molecule storing genetic information.

Question 3

What is a Gene?

Answer 3

A segment of DNA that controls a trait.

Question 4

What is a Chromosome?

Answer 4

A structure made of DNA; humans have 46.

Question 5

What is a Mutation?

Answer 5

A change in DNA that can be helpful, harmful or neutral.

Question 6

What is a Phenotype?

Answer 6

Observable traits (e.g., eye colour).

Question 7

What is a Genotype?

Answer 7

Genetic makeup (e.g., BB, Bb, bb).

Question 8

What is a Karyotype?

Answer 8

Diagram showing a person’s chromosomes.

Question 9

What is Heredity?

Answer 9

Passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Question 10

How does Environment affect phenotype?

Answer 10

Environment can influence how traits are expressed.

Question 11

What are Gene Technologies?

Answer 11

Includes gene therapy & genetic engineering to treat or change genes.

Question 12

How is DNA structured?

Answer 12

DNA is coiled into chromosomes.

Question 13

Where is a gene located?

Answer 13

A gene is a section of DNA found on a chromosome.

Question 14

What can cause mutations?

Answer 14

Mutations can be caused by chemicals, radiation or copying errors.

Question 15

What is Mitosis?

Answer 15

Growth & repair; makes 2 identical cells.

Question 16

What is Meiosis?

Answer 16

Reproduction; makes 4 sex cells (gametes) with half the chromosomes.

Question 17

What is Sexual Reproduction?

Answer 17

Involves 2 parents; creates genetically varied offspring.

Question 18

What is Asexual Reproduction?

Answer 18

Involves 1 parent; offspring are clones.

Question 19

What are Gametes?

Answer 19

Sex cells (egg and sperm).

Question 20

What is Fertilisation?

Answer 20

Joining of gametes to form a zygote.

Question 21

What is a Dominant Allele?

Answer 21

Trait is shown if at least one copy is present (e.g., B).

Question 22

What is a Recessive Allele?

Answer 22

Trait is only shown if two copies are present (e.g., bb).

Question 23

What are Punnett Squares used for?

Answer 23

Used to predict genotype and phenotype of offspring.

Question 24

What do Pedigrees show?

Answer 24

Show how traits pass through generations.

Question 25

What do circles and squares represent in Pedigrees?

Answer 25

Circles = females, squares = males, shaded = affected.

Question 26

What is a Scalar?

Answer 26

Has size only (e.g., distance, speed).

Question 27

What is a Vector?

Answer 27

Has size and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity).

Question 28

What is Distance?

Answer 28

How far an object travels (scalar).

Question 29

What is Displacement?

Answer 29

Straight-line change in position (vector).

Question 30

How is Speed calculated?

Answer 30

Speed = Distance ÷ Time.

Question 31

What is Velocity?

Answer 31

Speed in a direction.

Question 32

How to convert km/h to m/s?

Answer 32

km/h → m/s: ÷ 3.6; m/s → km/h: × 3.6.

Question 33

What is Newton's 1st Law of Motion?

Answer 33

An object stays at rest or moves at constant speed unless a force acts on it.

Question 34

What is Newton's 2nd Law of Motion?

Answer 34

Force = mass × acceleration. More force = more acceleration.

Question 35

What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?

Answer 35

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Question 36

What should you remember about inheritance?

Answer 36

Use Punnett squares and pedigrees to work out inheritance.

Question 37

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Answer 37

Speed is scalar; velocity is vector.

Question 38

What should you practice for unit conversion?

Answer 38

Especially km/h ↔ m/s.

Question 39

What should you understand about mitosis and meiosis?

Answer 39

Understand the purpose and result of both.

Question 40

What should you learn about mutations and gene technology?

Answer 40

Learn how they impact health and traits.