1. Some genetic traits are said to 'skip a generation.' This inheritance pattern is possible primarily because the parents in the middle generation can be what?
- A. Carriers
- B. Mutants
- C. Clones
- D. Ancestors
2. The concept of 'hidden' genetic information refers to a gene version that is not expressed in a parent. What is the scientific term for this type of gene version?
- A. A dominant allele
- B. A phenotypic allele
- C. A recessive allele
- D. A mutated allele
3. If a child is born with a trait known to be caused by inheriting two recessive gene versions, what must be true about their parents?
- A. At least one parent must physically show the same trait.
- B. Neither parent can possibly carry the gene for the trait.
- C. Both parents must have been exposed to the same environmental trigger.
- D. Both parents must carry at least one recessive version of the gene.
4. A family tree shows that a specific trait is present in a grandparent and a grandchild, but not in the parent who links them. What does this suggest about the parents?
- A. The parents are carriers of the trait.
- B. The trait is dominant in this family.
- C. The trait is passed directly from grandparent to grandchild.
- D. The child's trait is a result of environmental factors.
5. In the context of genetics, what is the best definition of a 'carrier'?
- A. An individual who displays a specific genetic trait very strongly.
- B. An individual who has a gene version for a trait but does not show the trait themselves.
- C. An individual whose traits are determined solely by environmental factors.
- D. An individual who is the first in a family to develop a new genetic mutation.
6. A scientist discovers a new protein that is highly active in bone cells and helps bind calcium, leading to stronger bones. This discovery supports which biological principle?
- A. An organism's traits are determined solely by its diet, not its proteins.
- B. Proteins carry out specialized jobs that influence physical characteristics.
- C. The environment is the only factor that shapes an organism's traits.
- D. All traits in an organism are determined by just a single, universal protein.
7. Based on the function of the ACTN3 protein, what is the most likely consequence for a person who has a less efficient version of it?
- A. They would have increased endurance for long-distance events.
- B. Their muscle fibers would contract less effectively, impacting sprinting ability.
- C. They would build muscle mass more quickly than a person with the efficient version.
- D. Their body would be unable to produce any other type of muscle protein.
8. The ACTN3 protein functions inside muscle fibers. What specific cellular process does this protein directly assist to influence running ability?
- A. The transport of oxygen into the cell.
- B. The process of muscle fiber contraction.
- C. The replication of DNA before cell division.
- D. The creation of chemical energy in mitochondria.
9. What is the primary role of proteins within an organism's cells in determining its traits?
- A. They store the genetic information that is passed down to offspring.
- B. They act as the main source of long-term energy storage for the organism.
- C. They carry out specific functions that collectively manifest as observable characteristics.
- D. They form the protective outer boundary that separates the cell from its environment.
10. How does the ACTN3 protein directly influence a person's running ability?
- A. By increasing the amount of oxygen the blood can carry to the muscles.
- B. By determining the overall length of the leg bones, which affects a person's stride.
- C. By improving the efficiency of muscle fiber contraction, which is essential for powerful movements.
- D. By speeding up the nerve signals sent from the brain to the leg muscles.