Genetics Answers
1. What is the name given to the process of passing genetic information from parents to
offspring?
inheritance
2. Complete the labels on the diagram by choosing key words from the box below.
gene
nucleus chromosome
DNA
3 a. How many chromosomes does a human body cell contain?
46 or 23 pairs
b. How many chromosomes does a human gamete (sperm or egg cell) contain?
23
4. Crick, Franklin, Watson and Wilkins are scientists known for their work on the structure
of DNA.
What contribution did each make? Write their names into the table below.
Scientific Contribution Scientists Involved
produced X-ray data of DNA Franklin and Wilkins
built the first model of DNA Watson and Crick
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Genetics Answers
5. Fill the gaps to complete the sentences, using the key words from the box below.
All living things show variation, which means they are different. Some living things look
different because they are different species, e.g. a cow and a daisy.
Some living things can look different even if they are the same species. These differences
are called characteristic features. They can be genetic or environmental.
Figure 1
6 a. What type of variation is shown in Figure 1?
continuous
b. Name one characteristic feature which shows this type of variation.
height, mass, age, leaf length, handspan, IQ
Figure 2
6 a. What type of variation is shown in Figure 2?
discontinuous
b. Name one characteristic feature which shows this type of variation.
blood group, eye colour, fruit colour
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