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OhioBiology

B.H: Heredity (Molecular Genetics)

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

How are genes organized on chromosomes, and what is the difference between a gene and an allele?

Explain that genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes, and distinguish between genes, alleles, genotype, and phenotype (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.1).
A standard-level answer on chromosomes, genes, and alleles for Ohio's Biology EOC: how DNA is packaged into chromosomes, the difference between a gene and an allele, homologous chromosomes, and the meaning of genotype and phenotype.
13 min answer →

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

Describe the molecular structure of DNA and explain how complementary base pairing allows it to be copied accurately during replication (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.4).
A standard-level answer on DNA structure and replication for Ohio's Biology EOC: the double helix, nucleotides, complementary base pairing (A-T, C-G), the antiparallel strands, and how semi-conservative replication copies DNA accurately.
13 min answer →

Why do cells with the same DNA become different, and how does the environment affect traits?

Explain that gene expression is regulated so different cells use different genes, and that traits result from inherited genes interacting with the environment (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.3).
A standard-level answer on gene expression for Ohio's Biology EOC: how regulation lets cells with the same DNA specialize, why genes are switched on and off, and how the environment interacts with genes to shape the phenotype.
13 min answer →

How do changes in DNA arise, and how can they change a protein and a trait?

Explain how mutations change the DNA sequence and therefore proteins and traits, and how they can be harmful, neutral, or beneficial (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.4 and B.H.5).
A standard-level answer on mutations for Ohio's Biology EOC: what a mutation is, the main types (substitution, insertion, deletion), how a changed base can change a protein, mutagens, and why mutations can be harmful, neutral, or beneficial.
13 min answer →

How does the cell use the code in DNA to build a protein?

Use models to explain how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins through transcription and translation (Ohio's Learning Standards for Science, Biology, B.H.5).
A standard-level answer on protein synthesis for Ohio's Biology EOC: transcription of DNA into mRNA, translation of mRNA into a protein at the ribosome, codons and the genetic code, and the role of tRNA and amino acids.
14 min answer →