Genetics Fundamentals Assessment

Genetics Fundamentals Assessment

Test Description:
This assessment is designed to evaluate your foundational understanding of genetics, including the structure and function of nucleic acids, patterns of inheritance, chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and modern genetic screening techniques. The test includes a variety of question formats—True/False, Fill-in-the-Blank, Multiple Choice, and Matching—to measure your comprehension and application of key genetic principles. Read each item carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Good luck!

Section 1: True or False (15 Questions)

Mark (T) for True or (F) for False.

1. rRNA combines with proteins to form ribosomes.

2. tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

3. miRNAs are long coding RNAs that regulate gene expression.

4. DNA replication is a conservative process.

5. The SRY gene is responsible for female development.

6. Trisomy 21 is also known as Edwards syndrome.

7. Sex-linked traits are always located on the Y chromosome.

8. Mendel’s Law of Segregation applies to alleles of a single gene.

9. A phenotype is determined solely by genotype.

10. Chromosomal inversions involve the exchange of DNA between non-homologous chromosomes.

11. Preconception counseling aims to minimize risks after pregnancy.

12. Amniocentesis samples placental tissue for genetic testing.

13. Cell-free fetal DNA testing can detect trisomy 13.

14. Teratogens only include chemical substances.

15. Linkage groups correspond to the number of chromosomes in a species.

Section 2: Fill in the Blanks (15 Questions)

Complete each sentence with the correct term.

16. The process of copying DNA into mRNA is called ________.

17. ________ RNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

18. The ________ gene on the Y chromosome triggers male development.

19. A human somatic cell has ________ autosomes.

20. ________ syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 18.

21. Mendel’s ________ states that alleles of different genes assort independently.

22. ________ is the enzyme that synthesizes DNA during replication.

23. ________ is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene.

24. ________ twins share 100% of their genetic material.

25. The ________ test measures AFP levels in maternal blood.

26. ________ is the splicing process that allows one gene to code for multiple proteins.

27. A ________ mutation results in the premature death of an organism.

28. ________ maps display the linear order of genes on a chromosome.

29. ________ is the failure of chromosomes to separate during meiosis.

30. The ________ protein is affected in sickle cell anemia.

Section 3: Circle the Correct Answer (10 Questions)

Choose the best answer for each question.

31. Which RNA is involved in splicing?
    a) mRNA
    b) tRNA
    c) snRNA
    d) rRNA

32. The default sex in humans is:
    a) Male
    b) Female
    c) Hermaphrodite
    d) Undetermined

33. Which is NOT a trisomy disorder?
    a) Down syndrome
    b) Patau syndrome
    c) Turner syndrome
    d) Edwards syndrome

34. Mendel studied inheritance in:
    a) Fruit flies
    b) Pea plants
    c) Bacteria
    d) Mice

35. Which enzyme repairs DNA by removing nucleotides?
    a) Ligase
    b) Polymerase
    c) Exonuclease
    d) Helicase

36. A female with two X chromosomes is:
    a) Homozygous
    b) Heterozygous
    c) Hemizygous
    d) Heterogametic

37. Which screening method uses chorionic villi?
    a) Amniocentesis
    b) CVS
    c) AFP test
    d) Ultrasound

38. The genetic material of a retrovirus is:
    a) DNA
    b) rRNA
    c) cRNA
    d) siRNA

39. Which trait is X-linked?
    a) Cystic fibrosis
    b) Hemophilia
    c) Sickle cell anemia
    d) Galactosemia

40. A map unit represents:
    a) 1% recombination frequency
    b) 10% crossover
    c) 50% gene linkage
    d) 100% mutation rate

Section 4: Matching (10 Questions)

Match each term (A–J) with the correct description (1–10).

Terms:
A. Phenotype
B. Genotype
C. Allele
D. Homozygous
E. Heterozygous
F. Dominant
G. Recessive
H. Autosome
I. Sex chromosome
J. Codon

Descriptions:

1. Physical expression of a gene.

2. Genetic makeup of an organism.

3. Non-sex chromosome.

4. Two identical alleles for a trait.

5. Two different alleles for a trait.

6. Determines sex (e.g., X or Y).

7. Variant form of a gene.

8. Masked in the presence of a dominant allele.

9. Expressed even if only one copy is present.

10. Three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA.

Answer Key

Section 1: 1-T, 2-T, 3-F, 4-F, 5-F, 6-F, 7-F, 8-T, 9-F, 10-F, 11-F, 12-F, 13-T, 14-F, 15-T
Section 2: 16-Transcription, 17-mRNA, 18-SRY, 19-44, 20-Edwards, 21-Independent Assortment, 22-Polymerase, 23-Cystic fibrosis, 24-Monozygotic, 25-Alpha-fetoprotein, 26-Alternative splicing, 27-Lethal, 28-Genetic, 29-Nondisjunction, 30-Hemoglobin
Section 3: 31-c, 32-b, 33-c, 34-b, 35-c, 36-a, 37-b, 38-c, 39-b, 40-a
Section 4: A-1, B-2, C-7, D-4, E-5, F-9, G-8, H-3, I-6, J-10