Which statement below correctly describes a component of sexual reproduction? (1 point)
Each parent has two alleles per trait and passes one allele to their offspring.
One parent passes down the majority of genes an offspring will receive.
Each parent has two alleles and they pass both down to their offspring
Only dominant alleles are passed to offspring.
Each parent has two alleles per trait and passes one allele to their offspring.
The correct statement that describes a component of sexual reproduction is:
Each parent has two alleles per trait and passes one allele to their offspring.
To determine which statement correctly describes a component of sexual reproduction, we need to understand the basics of genetic inheritance.
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of genetic material from two parents to create offspring with a unique combination of genes. In humans, this genetic material is contained in the form of chromosomes. Each chromosome carries many genes, which are segments of DNA that determine specific traits.
Now, let's analyze each of the statements provided to determine which one accurately describes a component of sexual reproduction:
1) Each parent has two alleles per trait and passes one allele to their offspring.
This statement is correct. In sexual reproduction, each parent has two alleles for each trait. An allele is a variation of a gene that can code for different forms of a particular trait. During reproduction, one allele from each parent is passed on to the offspring, resulting in the offspring inheriting two alleles per trait.
2) One parent passes down the majority of genes an offspring will receive.
This statement is incorrect. In sexual reproduction, both parents contribute an equal number of genes to their offspring. Each parent provides half of the genetic material, resulting in an equal contribution to the offspring's genes.
3) Each parent has two alleles, and they pass both down to their offspring.
This statement is incorrect. Each parent possesses two alleles per trait, but only one allele from each parent is passed down to the offspring.
4) Only dominant alleles are passed to offspring.
This statement is incorrect. In sexual reproduction, both dominant and recessive alleles can be passed down to the offspring. The combination of alleles inherited from both parents can result in various genetic traits, depending on the dominance or recessiveness of each allele.
Based on the analysis, statement 1 - "Each parent has two alleles per trait and passes one allele to their offspring" - correctly describes a component of sexual reproduction.