Question 1: Define a genetic diagram and explain its purpose in studying inheritance.

Answer: A genetic diagram is a visual representation of how genes are inherited from parents to offspring, illustrating the possible combinations of alleles.

Question 2: Describe the difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.

Answer: Homozygous genotypes have two identical alleles for a gene, while heterozygous genotypes have two different alleles.

Question 1: A heterozygous tall plant (Tt) is crossed with a homozygous dwarf (tt). Calculate the probability that the offspring will be tall.

Answer: 50%

Question 2: Using a Punnett square, determine the genotypic ratio of offspring from a cross between two heterozygous plants (Tt x Tt).

Answer: 1:2:1 (homozygous dominant : heterozygous : homozygous recessive)

Question 3: Calculate the probability (in percentage) of obtaining a homozygous recessive (tt) genotype from the cross of two heterozygous (Tt) parents.

Answer: 25%

Question 1: Design a basic experiment to determine whether a trait is inherited in a dominant or recessive manner. List the variables involved and safety precautions (theory only).

Answer: The experiment involves crossing individuals with known traits, observing offspring traits to determine inheritance patterns. Variables include parent genotypes, environmental factors, and sample size. Safety precautions involve handling organisms carefully, avoiding contamination, and following laboratory safety protocols.

Question 2: In a population, the frequency of a recessive allele 'a' is 0.2. Calculate the expected frequency of heterozygous individuals in the population using Hardy-Weinberg principles.

Answer: 2pq = 2 x 0.8 x 0.2 = 0.32 (or 32%)

Question 3: Explain how genetic diagrams can be used in modern biotechnology, such as gene editing technologies.

Answer: Genetic diagrams help scientists understand gene inheritance and variation, which is essential for targeted gene editing, gene therapy, and developing genetically modified organisms.

Question 1: A study shows that 16% of a population are homozygous recessive for a trait. Assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, calculate the frequency of the recessive allele 'a'.

Answer: q^2 = 0.16; q = √0.16 = 0.4

Question 2: Discuss how understanding genetic diagrams can aid in the development of personalised medicine.

Answer: Genetic diagrams allow scientists to identify specific gene variations linked to diseases, enabling tailored treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup, thereby improving efficacy and reducing side effects.

Question 3: Identify ethical considerations associated with the use of genetic diagrams in human genetic modification.

Answer: Ethical issues include consent, potential unintended consequences, genetic inequality, and the moral implications of altering human genomes.