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Fundamentals of Genetics

Genetics

An overview of key genetic concepts including DNA structure, inheritance, and cellular function.

biology science education

18 Questions Medium Ages 12+ Sep 3, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Genetics through 18 practice questions. An overview of key genetic concepts including DNA structure, inheritance, and cellular function. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

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Browse all 18 questions from the Fundamentals of Genetics study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What is the primary function of DNA within a cell?

A Producing ATP energy
B Storing genetic instructions
C Breaking down waste products
D Synthesizing lipids

2 Which nitrogenous base pairs specifically with adenine in a DNA molecule?

A Guanine
B Cytosine
C Thymine
D Uracil

3 What is the physical structure of a DNA molecule commonly known as?

A Single helix
B Triple helix
C Double helix
D Beta-pleated sheet

4 In humans, how many pairs of chromosomes are typically found in a standard somatic cell?

A 22
B 23
C 46
D 48

5 What term refers to the specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome?

A Allele
B Locus
C Genome
D Trait

6 What are the units of heredity that are passed from parents to offspring?

A Proteins
B Genes
C Ribosomes
D Enzymes

7 Who is widely considered the father of modern genetics for his work with pea plants?

A Charles Darwin
B Gregor Mendel
C Louis Pasteur
D James Watson

8 Which process results in the creation of two genetically identical daughter cells?

A Meiosis
B Mitosis
C Fertilization
D Transcription

9 What is the term for an alternative form of a specific gene?

A Allele
B Genotype
C Phenotype
D Mutation

10 Which molecule carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis?

A tRNA
B rRNA
C mRNA
D DNA polymerase

11 What is the term for the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism?

A Genotype
B Phenotype
C Karyotype
D Genome

12 Which sex chromosomes determine a biological male in humans?

A XX
B XY
C YY
D XO

13 What is the term for a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene?

A Replication
B Transcription
C Mutation
D Translation

14 What are the three components that make up a nucleotide?

A Sugar, phosphate, and base
B Sugar, protein, and lipid
C Base, acid, and water
D Nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon

15 Which of the following is an example of a polygenic trait in humans?

A Blood type
B Color blindness
C Skin color
D Cystic fibrosis

16 What process involves the division of cells to produce gametes with half the number of chromosomes?

A Mitosis
B Meiosis
C Binary fission
D Budding

17 What is the complete set of genetic material present in an organism called?

A Chromosome
B Genome
C Phenome
D Proteome

18 Which sugar is found in the backbone of DNA?

A Glucose
B Fructose
C Ribose
D Deoxyribose

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