A) Describe the relationships among genes, DNA, and traits. (1 point)
Genes code for traits, which are composed of DNA.
Traits are made of genes, which are composed of DNA.
Traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.
Traits determine the DNA in genes.
Traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.
A) In mice, the gene for tail length has two alleles. A long tail is dominant to a short tail. If a long-tailed mouse that is heterozygous mates with a
short-tailed mouse, what are the chances of having offspring with short tails? (1 point)
50%
75%
25%
100%
The chances of having offspring with short tails in this scenario is 50%.
A) What is meant by a phenotype ratio in a Punnett square? (1 point)
the number of genes that are possible in offspring
the fraction of possible offspring that contain a certain allele in their genes
the number of alleles in possible offspring
the fraction of possible offspring that can be observed to have a trait
A phenotype ratio in a Punnett square refers to the fraction of possible offspring that can be observed to have a certain trait.
The correct answer is: Traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.
Let me explain how to arrive at this answer.
Genes, DNA, and traits are all closely related. Genes are sections of DNA that provide instructions for producing specific proteins, which in turn determine various traits. DNA, on the other hand, is the genetic material that makes up genes and carries the instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms. Finally, traits are the physical, behavioral, or biochemical characteristics of an organism that are determined by the combination of genes inherited from both parents.
To understand their relationships, we can break it down as follows:
- Genes code for traits: This statement is true because genes carry the information needed to produce proteins that determine an organism's traits.
- Traits are made of genes: This statement suggests that genes are the building blocks of traits, which is partially correct. Genes collectively determine traits, but individual genes themselves do not make up traits.
- Traits are determined by genes: This statement is accurate. Genes determine the traits by providing instructions for the production of proteins that influence an organism's characteristics.
- Traits determine the DNA in genes: This statement is incorrect. Traits do not determine the DNA in genes. Rather, it is the DNA sequence within genes that determines the traits.
Therefore, the correct answer is that traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.