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Module 3: Genetics and molecular genetics

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is the structure of DNA suited to storing genetic information and copying it accurately?

Describe the structure of DNA (the antiparallel double helix and base pairing) and explain how complementary base pairing allows DNA to be copied accurately during replication (NYSSLS LS3, structure and function; patterns).
A NYSSLS-level answer on DNA for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the double-helix structure, base pairing, why DNA is a stable store of information, and how complementary base pairing allows accurate replication.
11 min answer →

How does meiosis halve the chromosome number and create genetic variation in sexual reproduction?

Explain how meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosome number and generates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment, and how fertilization restores the chromosome number (NYSSLS LS3, patterns; cause and effect).
A NYSSLS-level answer on meiosis for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: how meiosis halves the chromosome number to make gametes, how crossing over and independent assortment create variation, and how fertilization restores the chromosome number.
11 min answer →

How does a cell divide to produce two genetically identical cells for growth and repair?

Explain how mitosis and the cell cycle produce two genetically identical cells, describe its role in growth, repair and asexual reproduction, and explain how uncontrolled division leads to cancer (NYSSLS LS1 and LS3, stability and change; cause and effect).
A NYSSLS-level answer on mitosis for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the cell cycle, how mitosis produces two identical cells, its role in growth, repair and asexual reproduction, and what happens when division is not controlled.
10 min answer →

How do mutations change the genetic code, and how do humans use genetic technology?

Explain how mutations change the DNA sequence and their possible effects, and describe how genetic technologies such as selective breeding and genetic engineering are used (NYSSLS LS3, cause and effect; structure and function).
A NYSSLS-level answer on mutations and biotechnology for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: what mutations are and their effects, how they create variation, and how selective breeding and genetic engineering are used and assessed.
11 min answer →

How are traits passed from parents to offspring, and how can we predict the outcomes of a genetic cross?

Use the rules of inheritance (dominant and recessive alleles, genotype and phenotype) and Punnett squares to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses, and interpret pedigrees (NYSSLS LS3, patterns; using mathematics).
A NYSSLS-level answer on inheritance for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: alleles, genotype and phenotype, dominant and recessive traits, using Punnett squares to predict ratios and probabilities, and reading pedigrees.
12 min answer →

How does the information in a gene direct the building of a protein?

Explain how genes are expressed through transcription and translation, how the sequence of DNA bases codes for the sequence of amino acids in a protein, and why this links genotype to phenotype (NYSSLS LS3, structure and function; cause and effect).
A NYSSLS-level answer on protein synthesis for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: how transcription makes mRNA from DNA, how translation reads codons to build a protein, and how the base sequence of a gene determines a protein and so a trait.
11 min answer →