CLEP Biology Genetics & Biological Diversity

Question 1

What is the role of DNA in genetic inheritance?

Accepted Answer

It stores and transmits genetic information

Answer

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the fundamental molecule of heredity. Its primary role is to store the genetic instructions necessary for an organism's development, functioning, growth, and reproduction, and to accurately transmit this information from one generation to the next.

Question 2

Which of the following best defines a gene?

Accepted Answer

A sequence of DNA coding for a trait

Answer

A gene is a specific segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a particular protein or functional RNA molecule. These sequences are the fundamental units of heredity, determining an organism's traits and characteristics.

Question 3

How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

By reducing chromosome number and introducing variation

Answer

Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. During meiosis, processes like crossing over and independent assortment shuffle genetic material, creating unique combinations of alleles and significantly increasing genetic diversity in offspring.

Question 4

What is a phenotype?

Accepted Answer

The observable traits of an organism

Answer

A phenotype refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, such as eye color, height, or disease susceptibility. These traits are the result of the interaction between an organism's genetic makeup (genotype) and its environment.

Question 5

Which process results in the formation of gametes?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Answer

Meiosis is the specific type of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells like sperm and eggs). This process reduces the chromosome number by half and introduces genetic variation, which is essential for sexual reproduction.

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Practice Test

CLEP Biology Genetics & Biological Diversity