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Questions and Answers
What is the function of DNA in an organism?
What is the function of DNA in an organism?
What term describes the observable traits of an organism?
What term describes the observable traits of an organism?
In a heterozygous genotype, what does the term 'heterozygous' specifically refer to?
In a heterozygous genotype, what does the term 'heterozygous' specifically refer to?
Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection?
Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection?
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What is a mutation in the context of genetics?
What is a mutation in the context of genetics?
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Study Notes
Functions of DNA
- DNA is the hereditary material in organisms, containing instructions crucial for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction.
- It encodes the information needed to produce proteins, which perform a majority of life functions.
- DNA is also responsible for passing genetic information from one generation to another, ensuring continuity of traits.
Observable Traits
- The term "phenotype" describes the observable traits or characteristics of an organism, such as physical appearance, behavior, and biochemical properties.
- The phenotype results from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors.
Heterozygous Genotype
- "Heterozygous" refers to a genotype consisting of two different alleles for a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.
- This can lead to dominant and recessive traits being expressed depending on the alleles present.
Natural Selection
- Natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
- It is a mechanism of evolution, explaining how species evolve over time through inherited traits that provide advantages in survival and reproduction.
Mutation in Genetics
- A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that may alter gene function and can lead to different traits or characteristics.
- Mutations can be caused by errors during DNA replication, environmental factors, or can occur spontaneously; they can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to the organism.
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Description
Test your knowledge on genetics and heredity concepts from the Science Fusion curriculum for Grade 8. This quiz covers essential topics like DNA functions, observable traits, genotypes, natural selection, and mutations. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of genetics in an American curriculum context.
