Topic 6- Variation Keywords

Question 1

Variation

Answer 1

Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population

Question 2

Evolution

Answer 2

A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through the process of natural selection

Question 3

Natural selection

Answer 3

A process which gives rise to phenotypes best suited to their environment

Question 4

Selective breeding

Answer 4

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics

Question 5

Genetic engineering

Answer 5

A process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic

Question 6

Fossils

Answer 6

The ‘remains’ of organisms from millions of years ago, which are found in rocks

Question 7

Extinction

Answer 7

There are no remaining individuals of a species still alive

Question 8

Binomial system

Answer 8

Naming organisms by their genus and species

Question 9

Sexual reproduction

Answer 9

The fusion of male and female gametes

Question 10

Asexual reproduction

Answer 10

Involves only one parent with no fusion of gametes

Question 11

Meiosis

Answer 11

Cell division which halves the number of chromosomes, forming gametes

Question 12

DNA

Answer 12

A polymer made up of 2 strands, forming a double-helix, contained in chromosomes

Question 13

Gene

Answer 13

A small section of DNA on a chromosome which codes for a protein

Question 14

Genome

Answer 14

The entire set of genetic material of an organism

Question 15

Mutation

Answer 15

A change in the DNA

Question 16

Gametes

Answer 16

Sex cells, such as egg and sperm cells

Question 17

Allele

Answer 17

Different versions of a gene

Question 18

Dominant

Answer 18

A gene that is expressed in the phenotype when at least one allele is present

Question 19

Recessive

Answer 19

A gene that is expressed in the phenotype if both alleles are present

Question 20

Heterozygous

Answer 20

Alleles present are different

Question 21

Homozygous

Answer 21

Alleles present are the same

Question 22

Genotype

Answer 22

Alleles that are present

Question 23

Phenotype

Answer 23

Physical characteristics/features

Question 24

Cystic fibrosis

Answer 24

A disorder of cell membranes where mucus is thick and sticky

Question 25

Polydactyly

Answer 25

Inherited disorder where the individual has extra digits (fingers or toes)

Question 26

Nucleotide

Answer 26

Sugar + phosphate + base

Question 27

Tissue culture

Answer 27

Method of cloning using small groups of cells from part of a plant to grow identical new plants

Question 28

Cuttings

Answer 28

A simple method used by gardeners to produce many identical new plants from a parent plant

Question 29

Embryo transplants

Answer 29

Method of cloning. Splitting apart cells from a developing animal embryo before they become specialised, then transplanting the identical embryos into host mothers

Question 30

Adult cell cloning

Answer 30

Nucleus is placed into empty egg cell and is inserted into the womb of an adult female

Question 31

Speciation

Answer 31

Formation of a new species through natural selection from an isolated population