Let's go through each question on the worksheet and provide clear, accurate answers with explanations.
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1. What is the name given to the process of passing genetic information from parents to offspring? [1]
Answer: Heredity
Explanation:
Heredity is the biological process by which traits are passed from parents to their offspring through genes. This occurs during reproduction when genetic material (DNA) is transferred from parent cells to the offspring.
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2. Add the labels from the box to the diagram [2]
We have two labels:
DNA and
gene.
Looking at the diagram:
- The
long double helix structure represents
DNA.
- A
smaller section of the DNA (highlighted by a bracket) represents a
gene, which is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait.
So:
- The
bottom label (under the entire double helix) should be:
DNA
- The
top label (pointing to a segment of the helix) should be:
gene
✔ Labeling:
- Bottom rectangle →
DNA
- Top rectangle →
gene
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3. How many chromosomes does a normal human body cell have? [1]
Answer: 46 chromosomes (or
23 pairs)
Explanation:
Normal human somatic (body) cells are diploid, meaning they contain two complete sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. Humans have 23 pairs, totaling
46 chromosomes.
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3b. How many chromosomes does a normal human sperm or egg cell have? [1]
Answer: 23 chromosomes
Explanation:
Sperm and egg cells are gametes (reproductive cells), and they are haploid. They contain only one set of chromosomes (half the number of body cells). When a sperm and egg fuse during fertilization, they form a zygote with 46 chromosomes (23 + 23).
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4. Crick, Franklin, Watson and Wilkins are scientists known for their work on the structure of DNA. What contribution did each make? Write their names into the table below. [2]
| Scientific Contribution | Scientists Involved |
|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Built the first model of DNA |
Crick and Watson |
| Produced x-ray data of DNA |
Franklin and Wilkins |
Explanation:
-
James Watson and Francis Crick used data from others (especially Franklin’s X-ray images) to build the
first correct model of the DNA double helix in 1953.
-
Rosalind Franklin produced high-quality
X-ray diffraction images of DNA (most famously "Photo 51"), which revealed the helical structure.
-
Maurice Wilkins also worked on X-ray crystallography of DNA and collaborated with Franklin; he shared the Nobel Prize (though Franklin was not awarded it due to her death before the prize was given).
> Note: Although both Franklin and Wilkins contributed to X-ray data,
Franklin’s work was especially crucial. However, since the question asks for “scientists involved” in producing x-ray data, both can be listed.
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✔ Final Answers Summary:
1.
Heredity
2. Diagram:
- Top label →
gene
- Bottom label →
DNA
3.
46 chromosomes
3b.
23 chromosomes
4. Table:
- Built the first model of DNA →
Crick and Watson
- Produced x-ray data of DNA →
Franklin and Wilkins
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of genetic worksheet.
