Inheritance Quiz: Past Paper Questions

In object-oriented programming, inheritance is the mechanism by which a new class can inherit properties and behavior from an existing class. This allows for the creation of a hierarchy of classes, where subclasses can reuse and extend the functionality of their parent classes. It promotes code reusability and helps in creating a more organized and efficient code structure.

Advantages of inheritance include code reusability, promoting a hierarchical structure, and facilitating the creation of more organized and efficient code. Disadvantages include increased complexity, tight coupling between classes, and potential issues with maintenance and modifications.

An example of inheritance in a real-world scenario is the relationship between different types of vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and trucks, and their common characteristics inherited from a general 'Vehicle' class. This relates to object-oriented programming as it demonstrates the concept of creating a hierarchy of classes with shared properties and behaviors, allowing for code reusability and a more structured approach to modeling real-world entities.

The role of DNA in cell function is to store and transmit genetic information. DNA carries the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells. The genetic code within DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein, ultimately influencing the traits inherited by an organism.

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair. Meiosis is the type of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes, leading to genetic diversity. Both processes are essential for inheritance and genetic variation in organisms.

A haploid nucleus contains half the number of chromosomes found in a diploid nucleus, which has the complete set of chromosomes. During meiosis, diploid cells undergo two rounds of division to produce haploid gametes. This process ensures the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

An allele is a variant form of a gene, and a genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism. The phenotype is the observable traits resulting from the genotype. Homozygous individuals have two identical alleles for a particular gene, while heterozygous individuals have two different alleles. These concepts are crucial in understanding how genetic traits are inherited and expressed in offspring.