Genes & Traits
What carries the information that determines traits?
DNA
Why might two puppies from the same litter look different?
They have different combinations of genes.
What are 'model organisms'?
: Simple living things used to learn about biology and humans.
. What might happen if a gene doesn’t work correctly?
The cell may not make a needed protein.
What is selective breeding?
: Choosing parents with certain traits to get desired offspring.
What is gene?
A piece of DNA that tells the body how to make a specific protein.
. Why are there many kinds of plants in nature?
Because plants have adapted to different environments.
. Why are fruit flies and yeast used in science?
They grow quickly and are easy to study.
Which part of the cell makes proteins?
Ribosomes.
How do humans change traits in plants or animals?
Through selective breeding or genetic modification.
Why do children sometimes look different from their parents?
They inherit a mix of genes from both parents.
What does 'recessive' mean?
: A recessive gene’s trait only shows when two copies are present.
What can studying yeast teach us?
: How cells grow and divide.
What do genes do?
They tell the cell how to make proteins that build traits.
Why might humans change the traits of organisms?
To meet needs, like growing more food or better pets.
. How do traits get passed from parents to offspring
Through genes in reproductive cells.
Why might some animals in a group survive better than others?
: They have traits that help them survive in their environment.
How do model organisms help humans?
They help scientists find treatments for diseases.
. What process makes sure offspring get genes from parents?
Reproduction.
What is an example of selective breeding in animals?
Breeding dogs to have certain looks or behaviors.
What does 'dominant' mean in genetics?
A dominant gene shows its trait even if only one copy is present.
Why is reproduction important?
It keeps the species from dying out.
Which type of organism helped scientists study cell death?
Fruit flies.
What causes some traits to become more common over time?
: Traits that help with survival get passed on more often.
What happens when humans choose which animals reproduce?
Desired traits become more common in future generations.