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Question
Evaluate the accuracy of the following claim:

Inheritable genetic variations among organisms primarily result from new genetic combinations formed during crossing-over and independent assortment of meiosis.

(1 point)
Responses

False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.
False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.

False, because inheritable variations are only the result of environmental influences on gene expression.
False, because inheritable variations are only the result of environmental influences on gene expression.

True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.
True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.

True, but only in bacterial populations that reproduce asexually.
True, but only in bacterial populations that reproduce asexually.
Remaining Attempts : 3
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11 answers

The claim provided is primarily accurate. Inheritable genetic variations among organisms do indeed arise significantly from the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment during meiosis. These processes shuffle genetic material, creating new combinations of alleles that can be passed on to the next generation.

Let's evaluate the responses:

  1. False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.

    • This is incorrect; while mutations can contribute to genetic variation, the statement does not accurately capture the role of meiosis.
  2. False, because genetic variations are mainly caused by mutations that occur during mitosis.

    • This is a repeat of the first option and still incorrect.
  3. False, because inheritable variations are only the result of environmental influences on gene expression.

    • This is misleading. While environmental factors can influence gene expression and phenotypic variation, inheritable variations are not solely a result of environmental influences; genetic mechanisms play a significant role.
  4. True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.

    • This is the correct response. Meiosis contributes to genetic variation through crossing-over and independent assortment.
  5. True, but only in bacterial populations that reproduce asexually.

    • This is misleading. Bacteria typically reproduce asexually, but the claim pertains to genetic variation in a broader context, including sexually reproducing organisms, where meiosis plays a key role.

Given this evaluation, the most accurate response is: True, because meiosis includes these mechanisms to reshuffle genes.

Epigenetics ultimately affects(1 point)
Responses

DNA sequences.
DNA sequences.

DNA replication.
DNA replication.

gene sequencing.
gene sequencing.

gene expression.

Epigenetics ultimately affects gene expression.

Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can influence how genes are turned on or off, thereby affecting the expression of genes.

So, the correct response is: gene expression.

Which statement best explains how genetic mutations produce genetic variation?(1 point)
Responses

A population of individuals is hunted to the brink of extinction. The remaining individuals reproduce, and their limited genetics are passed on to the subsequent generations.
A population of individuals is hunted to the brink of extinction. The remaining individuals reproduce, and their limited genetics are passed on to the subsequent generations.

A male and a female with different alleles reproduce to make offspring that have a new combination of genotypes and phenotypes.
A male and a female with different alleles reproduce to make offspring that have a new combination of genotypes and phenotypes.

A cell divides twice, forming four gametes, each with unique characteristics due to crossing over and independent assortment.
A cell divides twice, forming four gametes, each with unique characteristics due to crossing over and independent assortment.

A strand of DNA is translated into R…

The statement that best explains how genetic mutations produce genetic variation is:

"A male and a female with different alleles reproduce to make offspring that have a new combination of genotypes and phenotypes."

This statement highlights how the combination of alleles from two parents can lead to new genetic variations in their offspring. Genetic mutations can introduce new alleles into the gene pool, contributing to even greater variation when combined through reproduction.

The other options relate to genetic processes, but they do not specifically address how genetic mutations contribute to genetic variation as effectively as the chosen statement does.

A fruit fly population exhibits a new wing pattern after exposure to radiation. Researchers claim these new patterns are inheritable mutations. Which statement supports this claim?(1 point)
Responses

The changes are visible in each member of the population.
The changes are visible in each member of the population.

The mutations will be seen in offspring.
The mutations will be seen in offspring.

The wing patterns of the exposed fruit flies will change during their lifetime.
The wing patterns of the exposed fruit flies will change during their lifetime.

Radiation would result in the same mutations to the population.

The statement that best supports the claim that the new wing patterns are inheritable mutations is:

"The mutations will be seen in offspring."

This statement indicates that the genetic changes that occurred due to radiation exposure are being passed on to the next generation, which is a key characteristic of inheritable mutations. The other options either do not address inheritance or relate to observable changes rather than genetic transmission.

11 of 1811 of 18 Items

Question
Which results in genetic variation in body cells?(1 point)
Responses

crossing over
crossing over - incorrect

errors during gamete DNA replication
errors during gamete DNA replication - no response given

meiosis
meiosis - no response given

mutations caused by environmental factors
mutations caused by environmental factors - no response given
Incorrect

This leads to mutations in gametes only.
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The question asks which results in genetic variation in body cells. Here’s a breakdown of the provided options regarding their relevance to genetic variation in body cells:

  1. Crossing over - This primarily occurs during meiosis and affects gametes rather than body cells (somatic cells), so it leads to genetic variation in offspring, not in the body cells themselves.

  2. Errors during gamete DNA replication - This would lead to variations in gametes, not somatic (body) cells.

  3. Meiosis - Like crossing over, meiosis specifically contributes genetic variation in gametes rather than in somatic cells.

  4. Mutations caused by environmental factors - This can lead to changes in DNA sequences in body cells (somatic mutations), which would result in genetic variation within those somatic cells.

Given this information, the most accurate option that could lead to genetic variation in body cells (though it is not explicitly indicated in your question) is:

Mutations caused by environmental factors.

In summary, somatic mutations, due to environmental influences, can create genetic variation in body cells.

Which best explains a way that new DNA combinations often arise?(1 point)
Responses

standard metabolic processes in the cell
standard metabolic processes in the cell

the introduction of genetic material through viral infection
the introduction of genetic material through viral infection

meiosis and replication errors
meiosis and replication errors

duplication of chromosomes during mitosis

The option that best explains a way that new DNA combinations often arise is:

the introduction of genetic material through viral infection.

Viral infections can lead to the incorporation of viral RNA or DNA into the host's genome, potentially creating new combinations of genetic material. This can result in genetic variation.

While the other options contribute to genetic processes:

  • Standard metabolic processes do not directly create new DNA combinations.
  • Meiosis and replication errors lead to genetic variation; however, they do not specifically describe the mechanism of new combinations as clearly as viral infections can.
  • Duplication of chromosomes during mitosis also does not create new combinations but rather duplicates existing genetic material.

Therefore, the introduction of genetic material through viral infection is the best answer concerning how new DNA combinations arise.