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6.7 Genetic terms and monohybrid crosses

6 exam questions worth 13 marks. Write your answer, open the mark scheme, then give yourself the marks you earned. Your answers are saved on this device.

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1
Short answer [2 marks]

Define the terms genotype and phenotype.

Mark scheme

  • genotype: the alleles present / combination of alleles (1)
  • phenotype: the characteristic expressed / shown (1)

Model answer

The genotype is the alleles an organism has; the phenotype is the characteristic that is expressed.

Your mark
2
Short answer [2 marks]

What is meant by a heterozygous genotype? Give an example using the letters B and b.

Mark scheme

  • two different alleles (1)
  • Bb (1)

Model answer

A heterozygous genotype has two different alleles, for example Bb.

Your mark
3
Extended response [4 marks]

In pea plants, the allele for tall stems (T) is dominant to the allele for short stems (t).

Two heterozygous plants are crossed. Draw a Punnett square and give the ratio of tall to short offspring.

Mark scheme

  • parents Tt × Tt (1)
  • gametes T, t and T, t (1)
  • offspring TT, Tt, Tt, tt (1)
  • 3 tall : 1 short (1)

Model answer

Parents Tt × Tt, gametes T and t from each. Offspring: TT, Tt, Tt, tt. Ratio 3 tall : 1 short.

Your mark
4
Calculation [2 marks]

A heterozygous black mouse (Bb) is crossed with a white mouse (bb). Black is dominant.

What is the probability that an offspring is white? Give your answer as a percentage.

Mark scheme

  • offspring Bb, Bb, bb, bb / 1:1 (1)
  • 50% (1)

Model answer

Offspring: Bb, Bb, bb, bb, so the probability of white is 2 in 4 = 50%.

Your mark
5
Short answer [2 marks]

Two parents without a condition have a child with the condition. What does this tell you about the allele that causes it? Explain your answer.

Mark scheme

  • the allele is recessive (1)
  • both parents must carry it / be heterozygous (but not show it) (1)

Model answer

The allele must be recessive: both parents are heterozygous carriers, so they do not show it, but the child inherited a recessive allele from each.

Your mark
6
Short answer [1 mark]

Explain why most human characteristics cannot be predicted with a Punnett square.

Mark scheme

most are controlled by many genes (interacting) / also affected by the environment

Model answer

Most characteristics are controlled by several genes interacting, not a single gene.

Your mark
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