TEST BANK Genetics:A Conceptual Approach 7th Edition By
Benjamin Pierce, All Chapters 1-26
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Latest Version 2026
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1|Page
,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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
2|Page
, B) Heterozygous
C) Dominant
D) Recessive
3|Page
, Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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?
4|Page
Benjamin Pierce, All Chapters 1-26
Covered|100% Complete A+ Study Guide
Latest Version 2026
FULL TEST BANK!!!
1|Page
,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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
2|Page
, B) Heterozygous
C) Dominant
D) Recessive
3|Page
, Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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
Correct 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?
4|Page
