Question 1

In the late 1990s what important discovery in genetics was made?
A) The three-dimensional structure of DNA was described, which showed how DNA might be replicated.
B) The first recombinant DNA experiments were performed that started the biotechnology field.
C) DNA sequencing methods were first discovered.
D) Genes were found to be located on chromosomes.
E) Tiny RNAs were discovered that play important roles in the regulation of gene expression.

Accepted Answer

In the late 1990s, the discovery of small RNAs, such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, revealed their crucial role in gene regulation, marking a significant advancement in genetics.

Question 2

Many good ideas in science ultimately turn out to be incorrect and this has happened several times in the history of genetics. Why do you think a particular idea was widely accepted by scholars of that time? Include in your answer some evidence in favor of the idea, observations that seemed to support the idea, or other rationale for accepting the idea.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many good ideas in science ultimately turn...

Question 3

Which of the following CORRECTLY describes the cell theory?
A) Genetic information from different parts of the body travels to the reproductive organs.
B) The cell is the compositional and functional unit of all life.
C) Inside the germ cells, there exists a fully formed miniature adult that enlarges in the course of development.
D) The genetic material itself blends, which cannot be separated out in future generations.
E) Traits acquired in a person's lifetime become incorporated into the person's hereditary information, which will be passed onto his or her offspring.

Accepted Answer

The cell theory states that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and all living things are composed of cells.

Question 4

Many good ideas in science ultimately turn out to be incorrect, and this has happened several times in the history of genetics. Summarize the evidence that ultimately caused the idea to be rejected by modern geneticists.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many good ideas in science ultimately turn...

Question 5

Which of the following examples of scientists and their contribution is matched INCORRECTLY?
A) Watson and Crick-three-dimensional structure of DNA
B) Mendel-principles of heredity using pea plants
C) Gilbert and Sanger-DNA sequencing methods
D) Morgan-polymerase chain reaction
E) Sutton-genes on chromosomes as units of inheritance

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hunt Morgan is known for his work on the role of chromosomes in heredity, not for the polymerase chain reaction, which was developed by Kary Mullis.

Question 6

Many good ideas in science ultimately turn out to be incorrect, and this has happened several times in the history of genetics. In your own words, state one idea in the history of genetics that turned out to be incorrect.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many good ideas in science ultimately turn...

Question 7

In humans, single nucleotide differences among individuals, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been used to show:
A) how a mutation in a gene can lead to a particular trait.
B) how gene therapy can be used to treat various disorders.
C) the correlation of a set of genetic differences with a particular medical condition.
D) that the concept of the inheritance of acquired characteristics is not correct.
E) that genetic information can be transferred from DNA to RNA.

Accepted Answer

SNPs are used in genome-wide association studies to find correlations between genetic variations and specific diseases or traits, helping to identify genetic predispositions to certain medical conditions.

Question 8

Describe one way in which discoveries in genetics will likely impact your life in the future.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe one way in which discoveries in...

Question 9

CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful new method that allows:
A) DNA sequencing to be done very quickly so that numerous individual genomes can be sequenced in a short period of time.
B) precise editing of specific DNA sequences in living cells.
C) the identification of genes involved in important medical conditions.
D) the introduction of genes from one species into another species.
E) the arrangement of genes on chromosomes.

Accepted Answer

CRISPR/Cas9 is a genome editing tool that allows for precise modification of specific DNA sequences within living cells.

Question 10

The experiments of Gregor Mendel can be placed into which subdivision of genetics?
A) molecular genetics
B) population genetics
C) transmission genetics
D) molecular genetics and transmission genetics
E) population genetics and transmission genetics

Accepted Answer

Mendel's experiments focused on how traits are inherited from one generation to the next, which is the study of transmission genetics.

Question 11

Which of the following theories of inheritance is currently considered TRUE?
A) germ-plasm theory
B) pangenesis
C) blending inheritance
D) inheritance of acquired characteristics
E) None of these theories is considered true based on new evidence.

Accepted Answer

The germ-plasm theory, proposed by August Weismann, is considered true as it suggests that inheritance only takes place through germ cells (sperm and eggs), which carry genetic information. This aligns with modern genetics.

Question 12

Why might bacteria and viruses be good model organisms for studying the basics of inheritance? Describe two advantages over studying genetics in mice, dogs, or humans.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why might bacteria and viruses be good...

Question 13

Among the model genetic organisms, Escherichia coli, a single-celled bacterium, is a prokaryote; saccharomyces cerevisiae, one-celled yeast, is a eukaryote, as are Caenorhabditis elegans, a multicellular nematode worm, and Arabidopisis thaliana, a multicellular plant. Which of these organisms would NOT contain membrane-bound organelles? A) Escherichia coli B) Saccharomyces cerevisiae C) Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae D) Caenorhabditis elegans E) Caenorhabditis elegans and Arabidopisis thaliana

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli is a prokaryote, and prokaryotic cells do not contain membrane-bound organelles.

Question 14

Describe one way in which discoveries in genetics currently impact your daily life apart from this course.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe one way in which discoveries in...

Question 15

What commonsense observation makes the theory of acquired characteristics UNLIKELY?
A) An individual may inherit traits found in both of his or her parents.
B) Anatomical changes such as loss of a limb are not seen in the offspring of an individual.
C) Evolution requires genetic change in populations.
D) Alleles that result in abnormal phenotypes may be less common in some populations than in others.
E) Offspring often look more like their parents than unrelated individuals.

Accepted Answer

Anatomical changes such as loss of a limb are not seen in the offspring of an individual. This observation makes the theory of acquired characteristics unlikely because it suggests that changes acquired during an individual's lifetime are not passed on to their offspring.

Question 16

Describe a discovery in genetics or an area of current research that you are concerned about that might have a negative impact on your life in the future. Explain why you think it might have a negative impact on you personally.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe a discovery in genetics or an...

Question 17

What commonsense observation makes the theory of preformationism unlikely?
A) An individual may inherit traits found in both of his or her parents.
B) Anatomical changes such as loss of a limb are not seen in the offspring of an individual.
C) Evolution requires genetic change in populations.
D) Alleles that result in abnormal phenotypes may be less common in some populations than in others.
E) Offspring often look more like their parents than unrelated individuals.

Accepted Answer

Preformationism suggests that organisms develop from miniature versions of themselves, implying that all traits come from one parent. However, the observation that individuals inherit traits from both parents contradicts this theory.

Question 18

Which of the following are epigenetic changes?
A) Gene mutations that can be passed on from parent to offspring
B) Changes that convert a prokaryotic cell to an eukaryotic cell
C) Changes in DNA base sequence that are inherited from only one of the two parents of an individual
D) Changes to the RNA base sequence that cause it to not pass on genetic information to proteins
E) Alterations to DNA and chromosome structure that do not involve the base sequence of the DNA

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic changes refer to modifications on DNA or chromatin that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself, such as DNA methylation and histone modification.

Question 19

Which of the following theories of inheritance is no longer accepted as TRUE?
A) pangenesis
B) blending inheritance
C) inheritance of acquired characteristics
D) preformationism
E) None of the provided theories is currently considered true.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following theories of inheritance...

Question 20

The golden mutation in the zebrafish was useful because of which of the following results?
A) It led to the discovery of a similar gene in humans that is involved in skin pigmentation.
B) It led to the development of new varieties of wheat.
C) It led to the ability to identify many of the genes that result in an increase in heart attacks.
D) It allowed the zebrafish to be grown in captivity and become commercially profitable.
E) It became the first gene in a model organism to be sequenced.

Accepted Answer

The golden mutation in zebrafish was significant because it helped identify a similar gene in humans that plays a role in skin pigmentation, providing insights into human biology.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Genetics

In the late 1990s what important discovery in genetics was made?

Which of the following CORRECTLY describes the cell theory?

Many good ideas in science ultimately turn out to be incorrect, and this has happened several times in the history of genetics. Summarize the evidence that ultimately caused the idea to be rejected by modern geneticists.

Which of the following examples of scientists and their contribution is matched INCORRECTLY?

Many good ideas in science ultimately turn out to be incorrect, and this has happened several times in the history of genetics. In your own words, state one idea in the history of genetics that turned out to be incorrect.

In humans, single nucleotide differences among individuals, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) , have been used to show:

Describe one way in which discoveries in genetics will likely impact your life in the future.

CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful new method that allows:

The experiments of Gregor Mendel can be placed into which subdivision of genetics?

Which of the following theories of inheritance is currently considered TRUE?

Why might bacteria and viruses be good model organisms for studying the basics of inheritance? Describe two advantages over studying genetics in mice, dogs, or humans.

Describe one way in which discoveries in genetics currently impact your daily life apart from this course.

What commonsense observation makes the theory of acquired characteristics UNLIKELY?

Describe a discovery in genetics or an area of current research that you are concerned about that might have a negative impact on your life in the future. Explain why you think it might have a negative impact on you personally.

What commonsense observation makes the theory of preformationism unlikely?

Which of the following are epigenetic changes?

Which of the following theories of inheritance is no longer accepted as TRUE?

The golden mutation in the zebrafish was useful because of which of the following results?