MISA - Maryland Integrated Science Assessment Inheritance and Trait Variation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A student is examining a diagram of genetic material. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between DNA, genes, and chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes are made of DNA, and genes are specific segments of that DNA that code for traits.

Answer

DNA is made of chromosomes, and genes are the proteins created by the chromosomes.

Answer

Genes are made of chromosomes, which are then coiled into the larger structure of DNA.

Answer

Chromosomes, DNA, and genes are all separate structures with no direct physical relationship.

Question 2

In pea plants, the allele for purple flowers (P) is dominant over the allele for white flowers (p). If a heterozygous purple-flowered plant (Pp) is crossed with a white-flowered plant (pp), what is the probability that an offspring will have white flowers?

Accepted Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Answer

25%

Answer

100%

Question 3

Which of the following processes is the primary source of new genetic combinations in offspring produced through sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Answer

Mitosis

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Asexual reproduction

Question 4

Himalayan rabbits have a gene that codes for fur color. The enzyme produced by this gene is only active at cooler temperatures. In a warm environment, the rabbit's fur is white. However, if an area of its body, like its ears or nose, is exposed to cold, the fur in that area grows black. This scenario is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors influencing gene expression.

Answer

Codominance, where both alleles are fully expressed.

Answer

A spontaneous mutation that changes fur color.

Answer

The Law of Segregation in action.

Question 5

What is a key difference between the outcomes of mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis results in diploid cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, while meiosis results in haploid cells that are genetically unique.

Answer

Mitosis produces four genetically unique daughter cells, while meiosis produces two identical daughter cells.

Answer

Mitosis is used for sexual reproduction, while meiosis is used for growth and repair.

Answer

Mitosis doubles the chromosome number in each daughter cell, while meiosis halves it.

Question 6

Inheritable genetic variation is essential for evolution. Which of the following is a source of such variation?

Accepted Answer

A viable error in DNA replication that results in a mutation.

Answer

The development of learned behaviors in a population.

Answer

The growth of an organism through the process of mitosis.

Answer

The differentiation of cells into specialized tissues.