Genes & Traits
This molecule carries genetic information in all living things
DNA
This type of reproduction creates and identical offspring
Asexual Reproduction
A mutation is a change in what?
A change in the sequence (order) of the bases in the DNA
Choosing parents with desired traits is called what?
selective breeding
Why do identical twins sometimes look slightly different?
Environmental factors can affect phenotype (visible traits).
The control center (brain) of the cell which containst the genetic factors.
Nucleus
Why does sexual reproduction create more variation?
Because offspring get genes from two parents
Name the three possible effects of a mutation.
Harmful, beneficial, neutral.
How is genetic engineering different from selective breeding?
Genetic engineering precisely edits DNA in the lab while selective breeding chooses parents and waits for the best outcome.
A mutation increases fur thickness in wolves during colder winters. Predict what may happen over many generations.
The trait may become more common due to survival advantage (better fit to their environment)
Small sections of DNA that control traits.
Genes
Diagram we can use to calculate the probability of offspring inheriting specific traits from parents
Punnet Square
A mutation helps bacteria survive antibiotics. What type of mutation is this?
Beneficial mutation.
Farmers create crops that resist insects. Give one advantage.
Higher crop survival, more food production, less use of pesticides (chemicals)...
A disease only appears when a person has two recessive alleles. What must the parents each carry?
Each parent should have at least one recessive allele (gene)
If the DNA in a cell is damaged, explain how this could affect the organism.
It may change proteins, which can change traits or body functions (Mutation).
If the environment suddenly changes, which type of reproduction may help a species survive better? Why?
Sexual reproduction, because variation increases survival chances.
A mutation occurs in a body cell but is not passed to offspring. Why?
It is not in a reproductive cell (gamete).
Give one possible concern about changing DNA in organisms.
Environmental impact, health concerns, or ecosystem changes
Scientists clone an endangered animal species. What is one benefit and one long-term risk?
Benefit: population increase. Risk: low genetic diversity.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype = genes you have.
Phenotype = how the trait looks.
A species only reproduces asexually. A new disease appears. What might happen? Explain.
Low variation means many may die because they are genetically similar.
How can the same mutation be helpful in one environment but harmful in another?
The environment decides if a trait helps survival or not.
Explain one ethical concern related to editing human genes.
Fairness, unintended consequences, access inequality, or long-term unknown effects....
Climate change makes an area much colder. Explain how genetics and reproduction could affect which organisms survive.
Organisms with helpful traits survive and reproduce; variation increases survival chances.