Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of genes?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of genes?
What is the term for a variation of a gene?
What is the term for a variation of a gene?
What is the process by which an offspring receives genetic material from both parents?
What is the process by which an offspring receives genetic material from both parents?
What is the term for the physical characteristics of an individual?
What is the term for the physical characteristics of an individual?
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What is the probability of a child inheriting a recessive trait from both parents if both parents are carriers of the recessive allele?
What is the probability of a child inheriting a recessive trait from both parents if both parents are carriers of the recessive allele?
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Which of the following is an example of a dominant trait?
Which of the following is an example of a dominant trait?
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What is the term for the process in which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA?
What is the term for the process in which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing inheritance?
Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing inheritance?
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Which of the following is NOT a substance that the mother's blood provides to the fetus?
Which of the following is NOT a substance that the mother's blood provides to the fetus?
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The fetus's blood supply is linked to the placenta via which structure?
The fetus's blood supply is linked to the placenta via which structure?
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Which of the following is NOT a role of the amniotic fluid?
Which of the following is NOT a role of the amniotic fluid?
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What is the primary mechanism for the transfer of substances between the mother's and fetus's blood?
What is the primary mechanism for the transfer of substances between the mother's and fetus's blood?
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How does the placenta act as a barrier for toxins and pathogens?
How does the placenta act as a barrier for toxins and pathogens?
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Why is it important that the mother's and fetus's blood do not mix?
Why is it important that the mother's and fetus's blood do not mix?
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Why is it advised that pregnant women avoid smoking?
Why is it advised that pregnant women avoid smoking?
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Which of the following statements about the umbilical cord is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about the umbilical cord is TRUE?
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Study Notes
Genes and Inheritance
- Cells contain threads called chromosomes, which control cell activities.
- Chromosomes were discovered in the 19th century.
- Scientists needed powerful microscopes to see chromosomes.
- Chromosomes are only visible when cells divide, and need staining.
- Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes.
- Humans have 46 chromosomes.
- Fruit flies have 8 chromosomes.
- Mango trees have 40 chromosomes.
- Chromosomes are numbered according to their length.
- Each chromosome has two arms called chromatids, joined by a centromere.
- Chromosomes are made of DNA and contain many different genes
The Makeup of a Chromosome
- Chromosomes have protective caps called telomeres, which are made of DNA.
- Telomeres help protect the ends of chromosomes.
Genes
- Chromosomes are made up of hundreds of genes.
- Genes are arranged in a specific order along the chromosome
- Each gene controls a specific characteristic.
- Scientists are still finding out which genes are on each chromosome.
- Chromosome 1 has about 2000 genes.
- Chromosome 15 has about 600 genes.
DNA
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Chromosomes are made of a chemical called DNA, a very long molecule.
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DNA has a shape called a double helix.
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DNA contains the genetic code.
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DNA was discovered in the 1950s.
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DNA is very important because different genes in our cells determine what the cell does.
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DNA molecules hold instructions for a functioning cell, and a whole organism.
Gametes and Inheritance
- Gametes are specialized cells (sperm and egg) crucial for reproduction.
- Human cells normally have 46 chromosomes, but gametes have half that (23).
- Sperm cells are small and mobile, with a tail for swimming.
- Egg cells are larger and contain food reserves, immobile.
Fertilisation
- Fertilisation is the fusion of a sperm cell with an egg cell.
- This creates a zygote, a cell with the full 46 chromosomes.
- The zygote develops into a baby.
Inheritance of Sex
- The last pair of chromosomes are called sex chromosomes.
- The sex chromosomes determine the sex of an individual.
- There are two different forms of chromosome 23, the X chromosome and the Y chromosome.
- Females have two X chromosomes (XX).
- Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
- The sperm cell determines the sex of the baby; the egg only provides an X chromosome.
Keeping a fetus healthy
- Major organ development occurs in the first 12 weeks.
- The embryo receives nutrients via diffusion through the uterus lining.
- After 12 weeks, it's called a fetus, and the placenta develops further.
- The gestation period for humans is 9 months.
Diet
- A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
- A pregnant woman needs more protein to help the developing fetus grow new cells.
- Carbohydrates are essential for energy.
- Minerals like iron, calcium are needed for hemoglobin and bones development.
- Pregnant women must eat plenty of vitamins.
Smoking
- Smoking during pregnancy harms the developing fetus.
- Smoking introduces carbon monoxide, nicotine, and tar, which affect the fetus.
- Reduction in oxygen transport, growth, and health issues.
Drugs
- Drugs affect the body's functions.
- Some drugs can be helpful in treating illnesses.
- Some drugs harm the body and especially harm a developing body.
- Many drugs end up in the fetus' blood
One Important Recommendation
- Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about taking and stopping taking any prescribed medication.
- Pregnant women should avoid drugs such as illegal drugs, alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine, for example.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of genetics with this quiz. Covering key topics such as inheritance, genes, traits, and the role of the placenta, this quiz will challenge your understanding of genetic principles. Perfect for students studying biology or genetics at any level.