About this Study Set
This study set covers Genetics through
20 practice questions.
A collection of medium-difficulty, fact-based multiple-choice questions covering core genetics concepts. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 20 questions from the
Genetics Fundamentals study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?
-
A
To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes
-
B
To synthesize proteins directly
-
C
To store genetic information in the nucleus
-
D
To transport amino acids to ribosomes
2
Which of the following is a characteristic of a recessive allele?
-
A
It only expresses its trait when in homozygous form
-
B
It always expresses its trait, even in heterozygous form
-
C
It is always located on the X chromosome
-
D
It can only be passed down from the mother
3
What is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself?
-
A
Replication
-
B
Transcription
-
C
Translation
-
D
Mutation
4
A segment of DNA that codes for a functional product, such as a protein or RNA molecule, is called a:
-
A
Gene
-
B
Chromosome
-
C
Allele
-
D
Genome
5
In the DNA double helix, adenine (A) always pairs with which nucleotide?
-
A
Thymine (T)
-
B
Guanine (G)
-
C
Cytosine (C)
-
D
Uracil (U)
6
What is the term for the observable physical characteristics of an organism?
-
A
Phenotype
-
B
Genotype
-
C
Karyotype
-
D
Chromotype
7
Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in:
-
A
Four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
-
B
Two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
-
C
Four daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
-
D
Two daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
8
What is the genetic makeup of an individual, referring to the specific alleles they possess?
-
A
Genotype
-
B
Phenotype
-
C
Karyotype
-
D
Gene pool
9
Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?
-
A
Uracil
-
B
Thymine
-
C
Adenine
-
D
Guanine
10
The complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism is known as the:
-
A
Genome
-
B
Gene
-
C
Chromosome
-
D
Allele
11
When two different alleles for a gene are present in an individual, and both contribute to the phenotype, this is called:
-
A
Codominance
-
B
Incomplete dominance
-
C
Dominance
-
D
Epistasis
12
What are the building blocks of DNA and RNA?
-
A
Nucleotides
-
B
Amino acids
-
C
Fatty acids
-
D
Monosaccharides
13
The process of synthesizing proteins from the information encoded in mRNA is called:
-
A
Translation
-
B
Transcription
-
C
Replication
-
D
Duplication
14
What is the name for a permanent change in the DNA sequence?
-
A
Mutation
-
B
Recombination
-
C
Segregation
-
D
Independent assortment
15
In humans, the sex chromosomes that determine femaleness are:
16
A trait that is controlled by a gene located on the X chromosome is called:
-
A
Sex-linked
-
B
Autosomal
-
C
Mitochondrial
-
D
Y-linked
17
The unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic of the offspring is a:
-
A
Gene
-
B
Chromosome
-
C
Allele
-
D
Nucleotide
18
What is the specific region of DNA where replication begins called?
-
A
Origin of replication
-
B
Replication fork
-
C
Telomere
-
D
Centromere
19
The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism is referred to as the:
-
A
Genome
-
B
Genotype
-
C
Gene pool
-
D
Chromosomal set
20
What are the two main types of nucleic acids found in living organisms?
-
A
DNA and RNA
-
B
Proteins and carbohydrates
-
C
Lipids and nucleic acids
-
D
Amino acids and nucleotides
