Question 1: What is a gene?

Answer: A segment of DNA that codes for a trait

Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a dominant allele?

Answer: a

Question 3: What does it mean if an organism is heterozygous for a particular gene?

Answer: It has two different alleles for that gene

Question 4: Which term describes the physical expression of a gene?

Answer: Phenotype

Question 5: In a Punnett square, what does the letter 'R' typically represent?

Answer: A dominant allele

Question 1: Define the term 'genotype' and explain its significance in genetics.

Answer: Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the combination of alleles an organism has for a particular gene. It determines potential traits and influences the organism's phenotype.

Question 2: Describe how Mendel's law of segregation explains the inheritance of traits.

Answer: Mendel's law of segregation states that during the formation of gametes, the two alleles for a gene separate so that each gamete carries only one allele. This explains how offspring inherit one allele from each parent and why traits can skip generations or appear in different combinations.

Question 3: What is a recessive allele, and how does it affect the phenotype if present?

Answer: A recessive allele is an allele that only influences the phenotype when an organism is homozygous for that allele (having two copies). If a recessive allele is present but paired with a dominant allele, it usually does not affect the phenotype.

Question 4: Explain the difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes with examples.

Answer: Homozygous means having two identical alleles for a gene, e.g., AA or aa. Heterozygous means having two different alleles, e.g., Aa. Homozygous traits are consistent, while heterozygous traits can show dominant or recessive characteristics depending on the alleles.

Question 5: Why are genetic variations important in a population?

Answer: Genetic variations are important because they provide the raw material for evolution and adaptation. They increase a population's ability to survive changing environments and reduce the risk of diseases caused by genetic uniformity.