what is a gene and what is the relationship between genes genotype and phenotype

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

2. What happens to the force of gravity between two objects when the distance between them is doubled?

A. The force increases by a factor of 2
B. The force increases by a factor of 4
C. The force decreases by a factor of 2
D. The force decreases by a factor of 4

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the law of universal gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. When the distance is doubled, the force decreases by a factor of 2 squared, which is 4. Therefore, the force decreases by a factor of 4. Choice A is incorrect because the force doesn't increase when the distance is doubled. Choice B is incorrect as the force doesn't increase but actually decreases. Choice C is incorrect as the force decreases by a factor of 4, not 2.

3. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in a population?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies)
C. Gene flow (movement of genes between populations)
D. Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute

4. Which type of immune cell does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target and destroy?

A. Neutrophils
B. Macrophages
C. Helper T cells
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are vital for coordinating the immune response against infections. The destruction of Helper T cells weakens the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neutrophils (Choice A) are primarily involved in acute inflammatory responses and fighting bacterial infections. Macrophages (Choice B) play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation but are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells (Choice D) are responsible for mounting a quicker and more robust antibody response upon re-exposure to a pathogen, but they are not the main target of HIV infection.

5. What would be an appropriate control variable for this experiment?

A. The period
B. The length of the string
C. The mass of the ball
D. The color of the ball

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The mass of the ball would be an appropriate control variable for this experiment. By keeping the mass constant, you can ensure that any observed effects are not due to variations in mass but rather to the manipulated independent variable. Controlling the mass helps isolate and identify the true impact of the independent variable being studied. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The period and length of the string are more likely to be independent variables or factors being manipulated in the experiment. The color of the ball is considered an extraneous variable that is not typically controlled for in this type of experiment.