& 100% Verified Correct Answers
Portage Learning BIO 210 Genetics Final Exam
Key Concepts: Mendelian Genetics, DNA Structure & Replication, Gene Expression, Inheritance
Patterns, Mutations, Genetic Disorders, Biotechnology, and Population Genetics |
Expert-Verified Q&A | Course & Exam-Ready
Introduction
This updated 2025/2026 BIO 210 Genetics Final Exam resource from Portage Learning
provides 50 fully verified questions with 100% correct answers, aligning with the structure of the
BIO 210 Final Exam, which consists of 50 questions. Content covers classical and molecular
genetics, gene regulation, DNA replication and repair, Punnett squares, genetic probability,
mutations, biotechnology tools, and human inheritance disorders. All answers are graded A+ to
ensure complete preparation for exam success.
Answer Format
All correct answers are highlighted in bold and green, with rationales that explain genetic
concepts, reinforce problem-solving skills, and strengthen applied understanding for exam
readiness.
1. What is the term for an organism with two identical alleles for a specific
gene?
a) Heterozygous
b) Homozygous
c) Dominant
d) Recessive
b) Homozygous
Rationale: An organism with two identical alleles for a gene (e.g., AA or aa) is homozygous,
while heterozygous refers to two different alleles (e.g., Aa).
2. Which of the following describes Mendel’s law of segregation?
a) Genes for different traits assort independently
b) Alleles for a gene separate during gamete formation
c) Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles
d) Traits blend in offspring
b) Alleles for a gene separate during gamete formation
, Rationale: Mendel’s law of segregation states that during gamete formation, the two alleles for a
gene segregate, so each gamete carries only one allele.
3. In a Punnett square for a monohybrid cross (Aa x Aa), what is the
probability of the offspring being homozygous recessive?
a) 25%
b) 50%
c) 75%
d) 100%
a) 25%
Rationale: In a monohybrid cross (Aa x Aa), the genotypic ratio is 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa. The
probability of homozygous recessive (aa) is 1/4, or 25%.
4. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase during DNA
replication?
a) Unwinds the DNA double helix
b) Adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand
c) Seals nicks in the DNA backbone
d) Removes RNA primers
b) Adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand
Rationale: DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides
complementary to the template strand during replication.
5. A point mutation changes a single nucleotide in a DNA sequence. Which
type of mutation is most likely to have no effect on the protein?
a) Frameshift mutation
b) Silent mutation
c) Missense mutation
d) Nonsense mutation
b) Silent mutation
Rationale: A silent mutation changes a nucleotide but does not alter the amino acid sequence
due to codon degeneracy, making it least likely to affect the protein.
6. What is the role of mRNA in gene expression?
a) Carries amino acids to the ribosome
b) Serves as a template for protein synthesis
c) Catalyzes peptide bond formation
d) Stores genetic information
b) Serves as a template for protein synthesis
Rationale: mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a
template for protein synthesis during translation.
7. In a dihybrid cross (AaBb x AaBb), what is the probability of offspring
with the genotype AABB?
a) 1/16
b) 1/8