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Principles of Inheritance and Variation

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Principles of Inheritance and Variation

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Summary

Summary of Principles of Inheritance and Variation

  • Genetics: Study of inheritance and variation of traits from parents to offspring.
  • Mendel's Contributions:
    • Proposed principles of inheritance through systematic studies on pea plants.
    • Introduced concepts of dominant and recessive traits, alleles, and the Law of Segregation.
  • Mendel's Laws:
    • Law of Dominance: Dominant traits expressed in heterozygous conditions.
    • Law of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
    • Law of Independent Assortment: Genes assort independently during gamete formation.
  • Genotype vs. Phenotype:
    • Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
    • Phenotype: Physical expression of traits.
  • Polygenic Inheritance: Traits controlled by multiple genes, showing a range of phenotypes (e.g., human height).
  • Pleiotropy: A single gene affecting multiple traits (e.g., phenylketonuria).
  • Sex Determination: Genetic basis for sex determination observed in various organisms.
  • Mutation: Changes in DNA sequences leading to variations; includes point mutations (e.g., sickle-cell anemia).
  • Pedigree Analysis: Tool for tracing inheritance patterns of traits in families.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the principles of inheritance as established by Mendel.
  • Explain the structure and function of DNA in relation to genetic inheritance.
  • Describe the mechanisms of evolution and their molecular basis.
  • Analyze the role of mutations in genetic variation and disorders.
  • Differentiate between dominant and recessive traits, as well as homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.
  • Apply Mendel's laws to predict genetic outcomes using Punnett squares.
  • Conduct pedigree analysis to trace inheritance patterns in families.
  • Discuss the implications of polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy in genetics.
  • Explore the concept of sex determination and its genetic basis.

Detailed Notes

Chapter 4: Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Overview

  • The work of Mendel established the idea of inheritance patterns.
  • The nature of 'factors' determining phenotype was initially unclear.
  • Understanding genetic material structure became a focus in biology.

Key Concepts

Mendel's Laws of Inheritance

  • Law of Dominance: Dominant traits are expressed in heterozygous conditions.
  • Law of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
  • Law of Independent Assortment: Genes assort independently during gamete formation.

Genetic Terms

  • Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
  • Phenotype: Physical expression of traits.
  • Alleles: Different forms of a gene.

Genetic Disorders

  • Down's Syndrome: Trisomy of chromosome 21 (47 chromosomes total).
  • Turner's Syndrome: Missing X chromosome (XO).
  • Klinefelter's Syndrome: Extra X chromosome (XXY).

Mutation

  • Point Mutation: Change in a single base pair (e.g., sickle cell anemia).
  • Chromosomal Aberrations: Changes in chromosome structure or number.

Pedigree Analysis

  • A method to trace inheritance patterns in families.
  • Useful for understanding genetic disorders.

Polygenic Inheritance

  • Traits controlled by multiple genes (e.g., human height, skin color).
  • Phenotype reflects the additive effect of alleles.

Pleiotropy

  • A single gene affecting multiple traits (e.g., phenylketonuria).

Sex Determination

  • Genetic basis of sex determination observed in insects.
  • Chromosomes play a key role in determining sex.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding Dominance: Students often confuse dominant and recessive traits. Remember that dominant traits are expressed in heterozygous conditions, while recessive traits are only expressed in homozygous conditions.
  • Confusing Segregation and Assortment: The Law of Segregation refers to the separation of alleles during gamete formation, while the Law of Independent Assortment pertains to the independent distribution of different genes during gamete formation.
  • Ignoring Linkage: Not all genes assort independently; linked genes are located on the same chromosome and do not follow the Law of Independent Assortment.
  • Overlooking Mutations: Students may forget that mutations can be point mutations (single base changes) or larger chromosomal alterations. Understanding the implications of these mutations is crucial.

Tips for Exam Preparation

  • Use Punnett Squares: Practice using Punnett Squares to visualize genetic crosses and predict phenotypic ratios.
  • Familiarize with Pedigree Analysis: Understand how to read and construct pedigree charts, as they are essential for tracking inheritance patterns in humans.
  • Review Mendel's Laws: Ensure you can clearly explain Mendel's Laws of Inheritance, including the Law of Dominance and the Law of Segregation.
  • Practice with Genetic Disorders: Be prepared to discuss examples of genetic disorders, their inheritance patterns, and the underlying genetic mechanisms.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

Down's syndrome

B.

Klinefelter's syndrome

C.

Turner's syndrome

D.

Sickle-cell anemia
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Turner's syndrome is characterized by a missing X chromosome in females.

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

3:1

C.

1:1:1:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The expected phenotypic ratio for a dihybrid cross involving two heterozygous parents (GgSs x GgSs) with unlinked loci is 9:3:3:1. This ratio represents the combination of dominant and recessive traits for both characteristics.

A.

Increased efficiency of ATP production

B.

Decreased efficiency of ATP production

C.

No change in ATP production efficiency

D.

Complete halt of ATP production
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A point mutation that alters an amino acid in a protein involved in cellular respiration can lead to decreased efficiency of ATP production due to impaired protein function.

A.

Gregor Mendel

B.

Thomas Hunt Morgan

C.

Walter Sutton

D.

Theodore Boveri
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Thomas Hunt Morgan used fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to study genetic inheritance and contributed to the chromosomal theory of inheritance.

A.

Round

B.

Wrinkled

C.

Oval

D.

Flat
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In Mendel's experiments, the round seed shape was the dominant trait over wrinkled.

A.

Gregor Mendel

B.

Thomas Hunt Morgan

C.

Walter Sutton

D.

Theodore Boveri
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Thomas Hunt Morgan and his colleagues provided experimental verification of the chromosomal theory of inheritance.

A.

All red flowers

B.

All white flowers

C.

All pink flowers

D.

Red and white flowers in a 1:1 ratio
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In incomplete dominance, the F1 generation exhibits a blend of the parental traits. Thus, crossing a homozygous red-flowered plant with a homozygous white-flowered plant results in all F1 offspring having pink flowers.

A.

4

B.

6

C.

8

D.

12
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The number of different types of gametes is calculated as 2^n, where n is the number of heterozygous loci. For three loci, 2^3 = 8 different gametes can be produced.

A.

Aneuploidy; Down's syndrome

B.

Aneuploidy; Edwards syndrome

C.

Polyploidy; Klinefelter's syndrome

D.

Aneuploidy; Patau syndrome
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The presence of an extra chromosome 22 is a form of aneuploidy, specifically known as Edwards syndrome, which is typically associated with trisomy 18, but the question hypothetically links it to chromosome 22.

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

3:1

C.

9:3:4

D.

1:1:1:1
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The cross between RrYy and RrYY involves two traits with independent assortment, leading to a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1.

A.

4

B.

8

C.

16

D.

32
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

A diploid organism heterozygous for four loci can produce 2^4 = 16 different types of gametes, as each locus can independently assort into two alleles.

A.

Green

B.

Yellow

C.

White

D.

Round
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In Mendel's experiments, yellow seed color was considered the dominant trait.

A.

Autosomal recessive

B.

Autosomal dominant

C.

X-linked recessive

D.

Y-linked
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The trait is passed from father to son and is not seen in females, indicating a Y-linked inheritance pattern.

A.

Missense mutation

B.

Nonsense mutation

C.

Silent mutation

D.

Frameshift mutation
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A missense mutation results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in the protein product, potentially altering its function.

A.

1/16

B.

3/16

C.

9/16

D.

1/4
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The cross RrYy x rryy results in offspring with the following genotypes: RrYy, Rryy, rrYy, and rryy. The round green phenotype (Rryy) occurs in 3 out of 16 offspring, giving a proportion of 3/16.

A.

Gregor Mendel

B.

Thomas Hunt Morgan

C.

Walter Sutton

D.

Theodore Boveri
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Gregor Mendel conducted hybridization experiments on garden peas and proposed the laws of inheritance.

A.

Trisomy of chromosome 21

B.

Monosomy of chromosome X

C.

Trisomy of chromosome 18

D.

Monosomy of chromosome 22
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Down's syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in trisomy.

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

3:1

C.

1:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

If the genes are linked and no recombination occurs, the expected phenotypic ratio would be 1:1 for the parental types.

A.

25%

B.

50%

C.

75%

D.

100%
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

If both parents are carriers (heterozygous) of an autosomal recessive disorder, there is a 25% probability that their child will inherit two recessive alleles and be affected by the disorder.

A.

The genes are linked on the same chromosome.

B.

The genes assort independently.

C.

The genes show incomplete dominance.

D.

The genes are sex-linked.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio in the F2 generation is indicative of independent assortment, as described by Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment.

A.

A cross between two heterozygous individuals

B.

A cross between an individual with unknown genotype and a homozygous recessive individual

C.

A cross between two homozygous dominant individuals

D.

A cross between two homozygous recessive individuals
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A test-cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.

A.

A change in the number of chromosomes

B.

A substitution of a single base pair in DNA

C.

A deletion of a large segment of DNA

D.

An inversion of a chromosome segment
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A point mutation is defined as a change in a single base pair in DNA, which can lead to disorders such as sickle-cell anemia.

A.

Incomplete dominance

B.

Co-dominance

C.

Pleiotropy

D.

Epistasis
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

This scenario is an example of pleiotropy, where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits.

A.

Round seed shape

B.

Yellow seed color

C.

Green pod color

D.

Wrinkled seed shape
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

In Mendel's experiments, the wrinkled seed shape was a recessive trait.

A.

Polyploidy

B.

Aneuploidy

C.

Monosomy

D.

Trisomy
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Aneuploidy refers to the gain or loss of one or more chromosomes, resulting in an abnormal chromosome number.

A.

IAIA and IBIB

B.

IAi and IBi

C.

IAIA and IBi

D.

IAi and IBIB
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

For a child to have blood group O, both parents must carry the recessive allele 'i'. Thus, the possible genotypes are IAi for the father and IBi for the mother.

A.

0% recombination frequency

B.

50% recombination frequency

C.

100% recombination frequency

D.

25% recombination frequency
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Genes that are far apart on the same chromosome are likely to assort independently, resulting in a recombination frequency close to 50%.

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

1:1:1:1

C.

3:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The cross RrYy x rryy is expected to produce a phenotypic ratio of 1:1:1:1 for round yellow, round green, wrinkled yellow, and wrinkled green seeds, respectively.

A.

A mutation in the gene coding for beta-globin

B.

A lack of enzyme converting phenylalanine to tyrosine

C.

An extra chromosome 21

D.

A deletion in the alpha-globin gene
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Phenylketonuria is caused by a lack of the enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine, leading to accumulation of phenylalanine.

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

1:1:1:1

C.

3:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The expected phenotypic ratio for a dihybrid cross where both parents are heterozygous (RrBb x RrBb) and the loci are unlinked is 9:3:3:1. This is derived from the independent assortment of the two traits.

A.

Point mutation

B.

Frame-shift mutation

C.

Nonsense mutation

D.

Silent mutation
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The disorder is caused by a point mutation, which is a change in a single base pair in DNA, leading to the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in the beta-globin chain.

A.

Deletion of a gene

B.

Substitution of a single base pair in DNA

C.

Insertion of an extra chromosome

D.

Duplication of a gene
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a point mutation, specifically the substitution of a single base pair in the gene coding for the beta-chain of hemoglobin.

A.

25%

B.

50%

C.

75%

D.

100%
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In an autosomal recessive disorder, two carrier parents (Aa x Aa) have a 25% chance of having an affected child (aa).

A.

It states that alleles segregate independently during gamete formation.

B.

It describes the dominance of one allele over another.

C.

It explains the blending of traits in offspring.

D.

It refers to the mutation of genes during meiosis.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Law of Independent Assortment states that alleles of different genes segregate independently of each other during gamete formation.

A.

0%

B.

25%

C.

50%

D.

75%
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

If both parents are heterozygous (genotypes AO and BO), the possible genotypes for the offspring are AB, AO, BO, and OO. The probability of having blood group O (genotype OO) is 1 out of 4, or 25%.

A.

Down's syndrome

B.

Sickle-cell anemia

C.

Turner's syndrome

D.

Klinefelter's syndrome
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a single base substitution in the gene coding for the beta-chain of hemoglobin, resulting in the replacement of glutamic acid with valine.

A.

Autosomal dominant

B.

Autosomal recessive

C.

X-linked dominant

D.

X-linked recessive
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The trait appearing in every generation and affecting both sexes equally suggests an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

A.

The disorder appears in every generation.

B.

The disorder skips generations and appears only when both parents are carriers.

C.

The disorder is passed from father to all sons.

D.

The disorder appears only in males.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In an autosomal recessive disorder, the trait can skip generations and typically appears only when both parents are carriers, as the disorder requires two copies of the recessive allele to be expressed.

A.

3:1

B.

9:3:3:1

C.

1:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phenotypic ratio observed in the F2 generation of a dihybrid cross is 9:3:3:1, according to Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment.

A.

A change in the entire chromosome number

B.

A change of a single base pair in DNA

C.

A deletion of a chromosome segment

D.

A duplication of a chromosome segment
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A point mutation is defined as a change of a single base pair in DNA.

A.

22 pairs of autosomes and XY

B.

22 pairs of autosomes and XX

C.

23 pairs of autosomes and XX

D.

23 pairs of autosomes and XY
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A normal human female has 22 pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes (XX).

A.

The traits are controlled by multiple alleles.

B.

The traits are linked on the same chromosome.

C.

The traits are sex-linked.

D.

There is a mutation in the population.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The observation that certain traits do not follow the Law of Independent Assortment suggests that the genes controlling these traits are linked on the same chromosome.

A.

Turner's syndrome

B.

Klinefelter's syndrome

C.

Down's syndrome

D.

Polyploidy
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Down's syndrome is characterized by trisomy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes in the cell.

A.

The genes are unlinked and assort independently.

B.

The genes are tightly linked and rarely recombine.

C.

The genes are loosely linked and frequently recombine.

D.

The genes are located on different chromosomes.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A recombination frequency of 1.5% indicates that the genes are tightly linked and recombine infrequently.

A.

22 pairs of autosomes and XX

B.

22 pairs of autosomes and XY

C.

23 pairs of autosomes

D.

22 pairs of autosomes and YY
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A normal human male has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, XY.

A.

All offspring will have wild-type eye color.

B.

All male offspring will have the mutation, and all female offspring will have wild-type eye color.

C.

All female offspring will have the mutation, and all male offspring will have wild-type eye color.

D.

The mutation will not be expressed in any offspring.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Since the mutation is X-linked, male offspring receive their X chromosome from the mother and Y chromosome from the father, resulting in wild-type males. Female offspring receive one X chromosome from each parent, so they will be carriers if the mother is wild-type.

A.

3:1

B.

9:3:3:1

C.

1:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phenotypic ratio observed in a dihybrid cross according to Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment is 9:3:3:1.

A.

Down's syndrome

B.

Turner's syndrome

C.

Klinefelter's syndrome

D.

Sickle-cell anemia
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Down's syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, resulting in an extra copy of this chromosome.

A.

3:1

B.

9:3:3:1

C.

1:1

D.

1:2:1
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Since the genes are linked and no recombination occurs, the phenotypic ratio will follow a 3:1 pattern typical of a monohybrid cross, as the linked genes will be inherited together.

A.

9 colored : 3 no color : 3 no color : 1 no color

B.

9 colored : 3 colored : 3 no color : 1 no color

C.

12 colored : 4 no color

D.

16 colored : 0 no color
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In this scenario, the phenotypic expression of the flower color is dependent on two genes. The first gene (C/c) determines the potential for color, while the second gene (D/d) determines whether the color can be expressed. The cross between two heterozygous plants (CcDd x CcDd) will follow the dihybrid cross pattern. The phenotypic ratio can be determined by examining the independent assortment of the genes: 9 (C-D-) colored, 3 (C-dd) no color, 3 (ccD-) no color, 1 (ccdd) no color. Thus, the correct phenotypic ratio is 9 colored : 3 colored : 3 no color : 1 no color.

A.

Trisomy 21

B.

Sickle-cell anemia

C.

Klinefelter's syndrome

D.

Turner's syndrome
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a point mutation, which is a change of a single base pair in DNA.

A.

Presence of an extra X chromosome

B.

Absence of one X chromosome

C.

Trisomy of chromosome 13

D.

Trisomy of chromosome 21
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Turner's syndrome is characterized by the absence of one X chromosome, leading to an XO configuration.

A.

All offspring will have wild-type body color and normal wings.

B.

All female offspring will have wild-type body color and normal wings, while male offspring will have white body color and normal wings.

C.

All female offspring will have white body color and normal wings, while male offspring will have wild-type body color and normal wings.

D.

All offspring will have white body color and normal wings.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The female offspring inherit the X+ from the father and Xw from the mother, resulting in wild-type body color (X+Xw) and normal wings (Ww). The male offspring inherit Xw from the mother and Y from the father, resulting in white body color (XwY) and normal wings (Ww).

A.

9:3:3:1

B.

3:1

C.

8:4:4:1

D.

10:2:2:1
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The recombination frequency of 20% indicates that 80% of the offspring will show parental phenotypes and 20% will show recombinant phenotypes, leading to a ratio close to 8:4:4:1.

A.

Genotype

B.

Phenotype

C.

Allele

D.

Chromosome
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The physical expression of a character is called the phenotype.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Morgan coined the term linkage to describe the physical association of genes on a chromosome.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The chromosomal theory of inheritance was developed after Mendel's principles, integrating chromosomal behavior with Mendelian genetics.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Turner's syndrome is characterized by the absence of one X chromosome, resulting in a 45, XO karyotype.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia results from a single base substitution in the beta globin gene, causing an amino acid change.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Thalassemia is an autosome-linked recessive blood disease caused by mutations or deletions affecting the synthesis of globin chains, not by chromosomal arrangement.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Recessive traits are expressed only in a homozygous condition, not in a heterozygous condition.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Down's syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, not a missing chromosome.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In humans, the normal female karyotype includes two X chromosomes (XX), and the male karyotype includes one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The chromosomal theory of inheritance was proposed by Sutton and Boveri, not rediscovered by de Vries, Correns, and von Tschermak. The latter rediscovered Mendel's work on inheritance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In humans, males have one X and one Y chromosome, which are not identical.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment states that the segregation of one pair of characters is independent of another pair.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Genes located on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together and do not always show independent assortment. This phenomenon is known as linkage.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sutton and Boveri united the knowledge of chromosomal segregation with Mendelian principles, forming the chromosomal theory of inheritance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

A normal male has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia results from a single base substitution at the sixth codon of the beta globin gene, causing valine to replace glutamic acid.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sutton and Boveri united the knowledge of chromosomal segregation with Mendelian principles to propose the chromosomal theory of inheritance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Phenylketonuria is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A normal human cell contains 46 chromosomes, which includes 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Humans have a total of 46 chromosomes, which includes 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Mendel's work remained unrecognized until 1900 due to various reasons, including the lack of communication and acceptance of his ideas.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Walter Sutton and Theodore Boveri noted that the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis paralleled the behavior of Mendel's 'factors' (genes), leading to the formulation of the chromosomal theory of inheritance. This theory connected the segregation and independent assortment of chromosomes to Mendel's laws, providing a physical basis for inheritance patterns.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Mendel applied statistical analysis and mathematical logic to his experiments on inheritance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia is a qualitative problem of synthesizing an incorrectly functioning globin, not a quantitative problem.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Law of Independent Assortment states that the segregation of one pair of characters is independent of the other pair.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Punnett square is a tool used to illustrate the independent segregation of genes during meiosis, showing the possible combinations of alleles in gametes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Down's syndrome results from trisomy of chromosome 21, leading to a total of 47 chromosomes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Mendel's work was not recognized until 1900 due to several reasons, including the lack of communication and acceptance of his ideas at the time.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The 9:3:3:1 ratio observed in dihybrid crosses led to the formulation of the Law of Independent Assortment.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Down's syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, which is an example of aneuploidy, not polyploidy.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Thalassemia is a quantitative problem of synthesizing too few globin molecules.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Down's syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Mendel's work was not widely recognized initially because communication was not as advanced, and his use of mathematics in biology was unconventional at the time.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a mutation that leads to the synthesis of incorrectly functioning hemoglobin molecules, which is a qualitative issue.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Turner's syndrome is actually caused by the absence of one X chromosome in females, resulting in an XO sex chromosome configuration.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In humans, a normal male has 22 pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes as XY.