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B.H: Heredity (Inheritance)

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do humans use knowledge of DNA to change organisms and identify individuals?

Describe applications of biotechnology, including genetic engineering, GMOs, selective breeding, and DNA fingerprinting, and consider their benefits and concerns (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.5).
A standard-level answer on biotechnology for Ohio's Biology EOC: genetic engineering and GMOs, selective breeding, DNA fingerprinting, and how to weigh the benefits and concerns of these technologies.
13 min answer →

How does meiosis make gametes and create genetic variation?

Use a model to explain how meiosis halves the chromosome number to make gametes and creates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.2).
A standard-level answer on meiosis for Ohio's Biology EOC: how meiosis halves the chromosome number to make gametes, how it differs from mitosis, and how crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization create variation.
13 min answer →

How do we predict the traits of offspring using Mendel's laws and a Punnett square?

Use Punnett squares and the laws of segregation and dominance to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a monohybrid cross (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.2).
A standard-level answer on Mendelian genetics for Ohio's Biology EOC: dominant and recessive alleles, Mendel's law of segregation, how to set up and read a Punnett square, and how to work out genotype and phenotype ratios.
14 min answer →

What inheritance patterns appear when traits do not follow simple dominance?

Distinguish patterns of inheritance beyond simple dominance, including incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, and polygenic traits (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.2 and B.H.3).
A standard-level answer on inheritance patterns for Ohio's Biology EOC: incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles (ABO blood type), and polygenic traits, with how each differs from simple Mendelian dominance.
13 min answer →

How do we trace a trait through a family, and why do some traits affect males more than females?

Interpret a pedigree to follow a trait through generations, and explain sex-linked inheritance using the X and Y chromosomes (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.2).
A standard-level answer on pedigrees and sex linkage for Ohio's Biology EOC: how to read a pedigree chart, how the X and Y chromosomes determine sex, and why X-linked recessive traits appear more often in males.
13 min answer →