Question 1: What is the basic unit of heredity that is passed from parent to offspring?

Answer: Gene

Question 2: Which molecule carries genetic information in most living organisms?

Answer: DNA

Question 3: In humans, how many chromosomes are typically found in a somatic (body) cell?

Answer: 46

Question 4: Which of the following best describes dominant alleles?

Answer: Always expressed when present

Question 5: What is the term for different forms of a gene?

Answer: Allele

Question 1: Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype.

Answer: Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype is the observable traits resulting from the genotype and environment.

Question 2: Describe how a Punnett square can be used to predict the probability of offspring inheriting a particular trait.

Answer: A Punnett square is a grid that shows all possible combinations of parent alleles, helping predict the likelihood of certain traits in the offspring.

Question 3: What is a recessive allele, and under what conditions will it be expressed in an organism?

Answer: A recessive allele is an allele that is only expressed when an organism has two copies (homozygous recessive).

Question 4: Give an example of a human trait that is controlled by a single gene with dominant and recessive alleles.

Answer: Widow's peak hairline or attached earlobes.

Question 5: Why is genetic variation important for a species?

Answer: Genetic variation allows populations to adapt to changing environments and helps prevent the risk of widespread diseases.