Complete Test Bank
Genetics A Conceptual Approach, 7th Edition
By Benjamin A. Pierce
(All chapters, latest Edition, Answers with Rationales)
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics from Genetics: A Conceptual Approach
1. Which of the following best defines genetics?
A) The study of living organisms
B) The study of genes and heredity
C) The study of diseases and their causes
D) The study of cell structures
Answer: B) The study of genes and heredity
Rationale: Genetics focuses specifically on how traits and characteristics are inherited through
genes. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding more complex genetic
concepts. Understanding genetics is essential for nurses, as they may deal with genetic
conditions and counseling.
2. Which term describes the observable characteristics of an organism?
A) Genotype
B) Phenotype
C) Allele
D) Chromosome
Answer: B) Phenotype
Rationale: The phenotype refers to the physical expression of genetic traits, while genotype
refers to the genetic makeup. Nurses must be able to differentiate between these terms to
provide effective education and support to patients regarding genetic conditions.
3. What is the primary function of DNA?
A) To provide energy for cellular processes
B) To store and transmit genetic information
C) To catalyze biochemical reactions
D) To serve as a structural component of cells
Answer: B) To store and transmit genetic information
Rationale: DNA holds the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms,
which is central to genetic studies. Understanding the role of DNA is vital for nurses, especially
when discussing genetic testing and counseling.
,4. Which of the following best describes alleles?
A) Different forms of a gene
B) The same form of a gene
C) Chromosomes that determine sex
D) Cells that contain genetic material
Answer: A) Different forms of a gene
Rationale: Alleles represent variations of a particular gene, contributing to genetic diversity.
Nurses must understand alleles to help explain inheritance patterns and genetic disorders to
patients.
5. If a person has two identical alleles for a trait, they are considered:
A) Homozygous
B) Heterozygous
C) Dominant
D) Recessive
Answer: A) Homozygous
Rationale: Homozygous individuals have two copies of the same allele, while heterozygous
individuals have different alleles. This distinction is essential in genetics, as it influences the
expression of traits and the risk of genetic disorders.
6. What is a gene?
A) A segment of DNA that codes for a protein
B) The physical location of chromosomes
C) The complete set of DNA in an organism
D) A structure that carries nutrients in cells
Answer: A) A segment of DNA that codes for a protein
Rationale: Genes are the basic units of heredity and are crucial for producing proteins that carry
out various functions in the body. Understanding gene function is essential for nurses to assess
genetic risks and provide appropriate patient education.
7. Which genetic disorder is caused by a single gene mutation?
, A) Cystic fibrosis
B) Down syndrome
C) Turner syndrome
D) Hemophilia
Answer: A) Cystic fibrosis
Rationale: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the
CFTR gene, illustrating Mendelian inheritance patterns. Recognizing such disorders allows
nurses to provide better care and management strategies for affected individuals.
8. In Mendelian inheritance, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of a monohybrid cross?
A) 1:1
B) 3:1
C) 9:3:3:1
D) 1:2:1
Answer: B) 3:1
Rationale: A monohybrid cross typically results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive
phenotypes. This knowledge is important for nurses involved in genetic counseling, as it helps
explain inheritance patterns to families.
9. Which of the following represents a carrier for a recessive genetic disorder?
A) AA
B) Aa
C) aa
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Aa
Rationale: A carrier has one dominant and one recessive allele, showing no symptoms of the
disorder but capable of passing the recessive allele to offspring. Understanding carriers is vital in
genetic counseling and assessing family risks.
10. What is the significance of the human genome project?
A) To clone human genes
B) To map the entire human genome
Genetics A Conceptual Approach, 7th Edition
By Benjamin A. Pierce
(All chapters, latest Edition, Answers with Rationales)
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics from Genetics: A Conceptual Approach
1. Which of the following best defines genetics?
A) The study of living organisms
B) The study of genes and heredity
C) The study of diseases and their causes
D) The study of cell structures
Answer: B) The study of genes and heredity
Rationale: Genetics focuses specifically on how traits and characteristics are inherited through
genes. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding more complex genetic
concepts. Understanding genetics is essential for nurses, as they may deal with genetic
conditions and counseling.
2. Which term describes the observable characteristics of an organism?
A) Genotype
B) Phenotype
C) Allele
D) Chromosome
Answer: B) Phenotype
Rationale: The phenotype refers to the physical expression of genetic traits, while genotype
refers to the genetic makeup. Nurses must be able to differentiate between these terms to
provide effective education and support to patients regarding genetic conditions.
3. What is the primary function of DNA?
A) To provide energy for cellular processes
B) To store and transmit genetic information
C) To catalyze biochemical reactions
D) To serve as a structural component of cells
Answer: B) To store and transmit genetic information
Rationale: DNA holds the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms,
which is central to genetic studies. Understanding the role of DNA is vital for nurses, especially
when discussing genetic testing and counseling.
,4. Which of the following best describes alleles?
A) Different forms of a gene
B) The same form of a gene
C) Chromosomes that determine sex
D) Cells that contain genetic material
Answer: A) Different forms of a gene
Rationale: Alleles represent variations of a particular gene, contributing to genetic diversity.
Nurses must understand alleles to help explain inheritance patterns and genetic disorders to
patients.
5. If a person has two identical alleles for a trait, they are considered:
A) Homozygous
B) Heterozygous
C) Dominant
D) Recessive
Answer: A) Homozygous
Rationale: Homozygous individuals have two copies of the same allele, while heterozygous
individuals have different alleles. This distinction is essential in genetics, as it influences the
expression of traits and the risk of genetic disorders.
6. What is a gene?
A) A segment of DNA that codes for a protein
B) The physical location of chromosomes
C) The complete set of DNA in an organism
D) A structure that carries nutrients in cells
Answer: A) A segment of DNA that codes for a protein
Rationale: Genes are the basic units of heredity and are crucial for producing proteins that carry
out various functions in the body. Understanding gene function is essential for nurses to assess
genetic risks and provide appropriate patient education.
7. Which genetic disorder is caused by a single gene mutation?
, A) Cystic fibrosis
B) Down syndrome
C) Turner syndrome
D) Hemophilia
Answer: A) Cystic fibrosis
Rationale: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the
CFTR gene, illustrating Mendelian inheritance patterns. Recognizing such disorders allows
nurses to provide better care and management strategies for affected individuals.
8. In Mendelian inheritance, what is the expected phenotypic ratio of a monohybrid cross?
A) 1:1
B) 3:1
C) 9:3:3:1
D) 1:2:1
Answer: B) 3:1
Rationale: A monohybrid cross typically results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive
phenotypes. This knowledge is important for nurses involved in genetic counseling, as it helps
explain inheritance patterns to families.
9. Which of the following represents a carrier for a recessive genetic disorder?
A) AA
B) Aa
C) aa
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Aa
Rationale: A carrier has one dominant and one recessive allele, showing no symptoms of the
disorder but capable of passing the recessive allele to offspring. Understanding carriers is vital in
genetic counseling and assessing family risks.
10. What is the significance of the human genome project?
A) To clone human genes
B) To map the entire human genome
