Genes and Heredity Unit Assessment Study Guide
08-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on
chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and
function of the organism.
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I am learning to model the structure of DNA and the rules for DNA base pairing.
I am learning to describe how DNA is replicated and how mutations may affect proteins and the structure and
function of the organism.
I can look at karyotypes of an organisms DNA to determine if a mutation has occurred.
1. Which mRNA sequence complements the DNA sequence below?
Sequence C
2. A rare genetic condition causes dwarfism and immunodeficiencies. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
A mutation in DNA
3. Describe an individual with the karyotype shown.
A female with Down syndrome
Genes and Heredity Unit Assessment Study Guide
4. What will most likely be the effect of the change in the DNA molecule, causing a change in the amino acid sequence?
The DNA molecule will code for a different protein
08-LS3-2. Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical
genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
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I’m learning to develop a model to describe how genetic material is passed from one generation to the next
through meiosis and mitosis.
I can describe why the process of meiosis results in genetic variation
I can describe why the process of mitosis results in offspring with identical genetic information.
The table below lists the genotype and phenotype of different traits observed in a pea plant. Use this table for question 5.
Trait
Phenotype
Genotype
Flower color
White
pp
Stem length
Long
Ll
Seed shape
Round
RR
Seed color
Yellow
Yy
5. Which of the listed traits are homozygous? Heterozygous?
Homozygous: Flower color, Seed shape
Heterozygous: Stem length, Seed color
6. What happens at the cellular level when an organism grows?
Cell reproduction occurs faster than cell death.
7. In a species of mice, the allele for a black coat (B) is dominant over the allele for a red coat (b). What will be the
genotypes of a parent mouse that is heterozygous for a black coat and its two offspring that are homozygous for a red and
black coat?
Parent is Bb, offspring are bb and BB
8. The Punnett square shows the result of a cross between two parents.
AA
AA
Aa
Aa
What is the genotype of each parent? Are they homozygous dominant? Homozygous recessive? Heterozygous?
Parent 1: AA; homozygous dominant
Parent 2: Aa; heterozygous
Genes and Heredity Unit Assessment Study Guide
The diagram below provides information about a carrot cell.
9. A carrot cell contains 18 chromosomes. Which of the following diagrams
illustrates the correct number of chromosomes in new cells produced by mitosis?
A
C
B
D
Diagram C
10. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent. The offspring of this type of reproduction have DNA that is
Identical to the parents’ DNA
11. Spirogyra are green algae that can reproduce sexually. What features distinguish sexual reproduction from asexual
reproduction?
Genetic material is contributed by two parent cells.
08-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans
influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
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I’m learning to describe how humans can influence the evolution of organisms (artificial selection).
I’m learning to critique informational articles on artificial selection and describe why they are supported or
not supported by evidence.
I am learning to describe how technologies have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of
desired traits in organisms.
12. How are artificial selection and natural selection different?
Artificial selection requires human intervention while natural selection doesn´t
Genes and Heredity Unit Assessment Study Guide
13. Artificial selection has given us….
Breeds of domesticated dogs
14. Selective breeding is also known as….
Artificial selection
15. What has allowed humans the ability to influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms?
Advances in technology
08-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a
population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
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I’m learning to construct an explanation to describe how natural selection affects the traits in a population.
16. How is natural selection not similar to artificial selection?
With natural selection "picking" is due to the fit of an organism with its environment; whereas in
artificial selection, the breeder "picks" which organisms will breed.
The diagrams below show changes in a desert lizard population.
1. Population with variety of
inherited traits.
2. Predation of individuals with
particular traits.
3. Reproduction of survivors.
17. Which biologic concept is being illustrated above?
Natural Selection
18. Describe evolution of camouflage by natural selection?
Mutations affecting coloration occur randomly in insects. Insects with mutations that help them to
blend in are more likely to survive and reproduce than others. Gradually these helpful mutations
accumulate in the population.
Genes and Heredity Unit Assessment Study Guide
The illustration below represents a marine iguana. Use the diagram for question 19.
19. Why might his flattened tail be more “fit” for the environment?
Flattened tails are better for swimming than rounded tails.
20. Fossilized coral reefs, fish, and other warm water marine creatures have been found in mountainous regions of New
England. What could best explain how this could have occurred?
The climate and geology of this area have changed over time.